- Hägg (S)
- Bird Cherry (GB)
- Faulbaum (D)
- Le merisier (F)
Distribution
- Bird cherry has spread almost throughout Europe and Asia.
- In Finland it grows as far as the northernmost Lapland.
Habitat
- Bird cherry can be found in fresh or moist habitats, for example lush forests and stream banks.
- It is common in the hollows of grassy woodlands and alongside fields. Bird cherry often forms thickets.
- It thrives best in a soil composed of clay and sand.
- Bird cherry requires semi-shade. It survives well the difficulties that winter brings along.
- In order to grow straight, it requires dense growth around it and a nutritious habitat. In suitable circumstances it is one of the most fast-growing tree species in Finland.
Growth characteristics
- Bird cherry may grow as much as 15 meters in height and 50 cm in diameter. Usually it grows several trunks or appears bush-like, branchy and has a curvy trunk.
- The bark on the trunk is dark grey.
- Bird cherry has a superficial and extensive root system.
- The branches which touch the ground become rooted.
- Bird cherry is considered a decorative and landscaping tree. Thus, its wood has not been utilized.
- The trunk of a quality bird cherry is limbless and brachless up to over 3 meters in height, and over 20 cm in diameter at chest height. The trunk should be free or cracks, rot and large bumps.
Properties of the wood
- The sapwood of bird cherry is yellowish and the heartwood brownish. The amount of heartwood is smaller than in rowan.
- The wood is fairly soft and flexible and it cracks easily.
- The wood is easy to dry and work. The weight of air-dry sawn timber is 520- 620 kg/m3.
- Sturdy and healthy trunks are also suitable for practical use, even if they have many limbs or are curved.
- A-class bird cherry is free of knots and even in colour. The amount of heartwood can only be 2 cm.
- Rot in the heartwood, variation in colour and knots are acceptable in B-class wood.
- C-class wood may have dry and rotten knots, and soft rot. It is only used for hidden structures and hobby use.
Usage
- Bird cherry is used for producing furniture.
- Thanks to its properties, the wood is especially suitable for bendable structures.
- The wood is also well suitable for lathing.
- It is also used for jewellery, decorative items and works of art.
- B and C-class wood are used for more basic purposes, for example hobby crafts.
- Traditionally bird cherry has been used for shaft bows and pail hoops.