padus

Padus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, commonly known as bird cherries. In botanical practice, Padus is variably treated as its own genus or as a subgenus or sectional group within Prunus, the larger cherry genus. The name and circumscription reflect ongoing taxonomic revisions rather than a fixed classification.

The genus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with species distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Birds and other wildlife often rely on Padus fruits, which mature after white, often strongly scented flowers appear in spring. The plants typically have simple, alternate leaves with serrated margins. Flowers are produced in elongated racemes and are usually white or pale pink. Fruits, or drupes, are small and can be red, purple, or black when ripe, depending on the species.

Fruits of Padus are generally edible for wildlife and, in some cases, for humans when fully ripe and properly prepared. Raw fruits may be mildly toxic due to cyanogenic compounds, and seeds should not be consumed. In human use, ripe fruits are sometimes made into jams, jellies, or liqueurs, though preparation varies by species and locality.

Ecologically and horticulturally, Padus species are valued as ornamental trees and shrubs for their early-spring blossoms and attractive fruiting display. They are cultivated in parks, gardens, and streetscapes in temperate regions and can serve as ornamentals, windbreaks, or wildlife-friendly plantings. The taxonomic status of Padus relative to Prunus means species are sometimes listed under Prunus in different flora and databases.