European Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) is a tree species that was once widely planted as an ornamental in many Alaskan communities. They have large, bright white blossoms and a sweet aroma. Birds widely favor the late season fruits produced by these trees (as the name suggests), and will disperse seeds through their excrement, oftentimes very far from the original planting of the tree.
A “mother” tree may stand alone without any indication it has dropped seed and reproduced- it’s offspring are more than likely hundreds of yards away, growing within thick alder and willow stand, making them indecipherable until they have matured to several feet tall. In Anchorage, where European Bird Cherry was planted widely by the municipality’s park system, European Bird Cherry has inundated several residential, salmon supporting stream systems, crowding out native vegetation.
Why are we worried?
European Bird Cherry produce robust seed that can be dispersed widely by the birds that favor it. This makes tracking and monitoring infestations difficult, as seedlings of a mother tree could be miles away. European Bird Cherry grows prolifically in riparian areas and easily outcompetes and crowds out other native woody and herbaceous vegetation. This change in vegetative structure can greatly alter ecosystem dynamics and can have a cascading effect on insect and animal communities. European Bird Cherry produces hydrogen cyanide that is activated in the fall post-frost. While humans, pets, and other wild animals are unaffected by the poison, animals with segmented stomachs such as moose can die from the consumption of this plant. Multiple young moose deaths in Anchorage have been attributed to the consumption of European Bird Cherry.
What can we do?
- Have Henry Tree Service remove any choke cherries from your property.
2. Become a Citizen Scientist and report your European Bird Cherry sightings! The Kenai Watershed Forum, in partnership with the Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Weed Management Area (KP-CWMA), is initiating a multi-year, Peninsula-wide survey for European Bird Cherry. We need citizen scientists like you to contribute sightings of European Bird Cherry! Fill out the form found in this link, or call/email our Invasive Species Specialist.
3. You can also participate in our Citizen Science Bicycle Survey!
