From time to time it happens that the bird cherry is confused with the rock cherry or the late bird cherry. This can have serious consequences due to their toxicity. The leaves of the bird cherry are easy to distinguish from those of the potential confusion plants from spring to autumn.
At first glance
Bird cherry leaves unfurl from pointed buds and arrange themselves in an alternating sequence around the wood. They reveal themselves early in the year compared to other deciduous trees. They usually sprout in April.
Shortly after budding and in summer they are a dull green. The underside is lighter and describes a light blue-green. In autumn you can watch the deciduous foliage of the bird cherry change color before many other plants. It takes on shades between yellow, orange and red.
On closer inspection
Each leaf is attached to a 1 to 2 cm long stem. The stalk is surrounded by two greenish nectar glands at its tip. The undivided leaves are similar in shape to an ellipse. The shape can vary to obovate.
Here are more details to help you identify the leaves:
- 3 to 5 cm wide, 6 to 12 cm long
- sharp and finely serrated edge
- long pointed end
- deepened veins (this makes them appear wrinkled)
- soft hairs
When you crush the leaves, you will be able to smell a scent reminiscent of bitter almonds. This is due to the hydrocyanic acid compounds (amygdalin and prunasin) contained in the leaves. Therefore, the leaves should not be consumed. They are poisonous.
If the leaves deviate from the known picture
Rather rarely, the leaves of the bird cherry are attacked by diseases. Among other things, scab and leaf spot disease can occur. Spider moths like to nest in or on the plant. They surround the shoots and leaves and make the overall picture look unattractive.
tips and tricks
Sometimes it is not easy to distinguish the bird cherry from the late bird cherry. In contrast to those of the late bird cherry, the leaf veins of the (common) bird cherry do not run to the edge. In addition, the foliage of the late bird cherry is darker and shiny.