European bird cherry (Prunus padus L.) - a biodiverse wild plant for horticulture

Summary

European bird cherry, as a varietive, tolerant and ornamental wild species, is able to contribute to the biodiversity of rural and urban ecosystems in Nordic countries. Therefore field studies to select the best origins for landscape horticulture are recommended. The analyses of the leaf chemical profiles of different varieties would further enlighten the taxonomy and the insect resistance (parasite-assisted or stress-mediated) of this valuable woody species.