About this Bird Cherry

This tree flourishes on stream sides and woodland edges.

This tree flourishes on stream sides and woodland edges, especially on limey soils. In early summer bird cherry bears distinctive elongated groups of flowers. It bears small bitter black cherries in the autumn, which are much appreciated by birds.

Suffusions of the bark were used as a cure for stomach ache and colic.

A traditional Scots liqueur can be made by steeping the fruit in sweetened alcohol,  usually either brandy or whisky.

(Image by Gavin Harris)

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