At first glance
The leaves of the bird cherry unfold from pointed buds and arrange themselves in an alternating sequence around the wood at. They reveal themselves early in the year compared to other deciduous trees. As a rule, they sprout in April.
also read
- Is the bird cherry edible or poisonous?
- Bird cherry wood - characteristics and uses
- What is the web moth doing on the bird cherry?
Shortly after budding and in summer they are bathed in a dull green. The underside is lighter and describes a light blue-green. In autumn you can watch the summer green foliage of the bird cherry change color in front of many other plants. It takes on hues between yellow, orange and red.
On closer inspection
Each leaf is attached to a 1 to 2 cm long stem. The stem is surrounded at its tip by two greenish nectar glands. The undivided leaves are similar in shape to an ellipse. The shape can vary to obovate.
Here are some more details to help you identify the leaves:
- 3 to 5 cm wide, 6 to 12 cm long
- sharp and finely sawn edge
- long pointed end
- deepened veins (appear wrinkled)
- soft hairs
When you rub the leaves, you will be able to smell a scent that is reminiscent of bitter almond. 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 differ from the familiar picture
The leaves of the bird cherry are less likely to be attacked by diseases. May occur among other scabs and the Leaf spot disease. Bugs like to nest on vermin Web moths in or on the plant. They span the shoots and leaves and make the overall picture look unattractive.
Tips & 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.
