Your garden is a perfect place to plant and grow lots of beautiful and useful plants, including bird cherry.
While it's not the first choice for many people, this plant can actually be beneficial, and it can also be quite interesting.
Here are some bird cherry facts that gardeners should know.
Bird Cherry Berries Aren't for Birds Only
While the name suggests they're just for our feathered friends, bird cherries are actually edible for humans too!
However, they're pretty bitter, so birds seem to enjoy them more.
They Can Smell a Bit Like Almonds
The leaves of bird cherry trees have a special scent that some people describe as similar to almonds.
It's not something you'd expect from a tree!
Not Your Regular Cherries
The cherries on a bird cherry tree might look like regular cherries, but they are smaller and more tart.
People don't usually make pies or jams with them, but birds find them tasty.
They Help Butterflies Grow
Bird cherry trees are like a cafeteria for caterpillars!
The caterpillars of certain butterflies, like the poplar hawk-moth, love munching on the leaves of these trees.
They've Been Around a Long Time
Bird cherry trees have been part of our landscapes for a very, very long time.
They're native to Europe and Asia and have been growing in these places for thousands of years.
Tiny Flowers, Big Impact
The flowers of bird cherry trees might be small, but when they bloom in clusters, they create a lovely, fragrant display.
It's like a sweet-smelling party for the senses!
They Can Grow Almost Anywhere
Bird cherry trees are hardy. They can handle different types of soil and even tough weather conditions.
That's why you might find them growing in various places, from gardens to the wild.
Symbol of Protection in Folklore
In some cultures, bird cherry trees are seen as protectors.
People believed planting them near homes could guard against evil spirits.
