Prunus padus / Pado

Origin: Europe, Northern Asia

Botanical characteristics: It is a small deciduous shrub or tree with conical crown when young and then expanded crown. Smooth, dark bark. The elliptic dark green leaves are finely toothed and 10 cm long. In autumn its colouring ranges from yellow to red. In late May, it bears simple white flowers with 5 fragrant petals, grouped in inflorescences in pendulous clusters. Then, the globose, black-polish fruits are used to flavour wines and spirits.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: In Italy it is found along the Alps, especially on the eastern Alps, valleys and riparian forests on moist, acidic soils, preferably from 0 to 1800 meters.

Use: It is mainly used for environmental clean-up and naturalization of brownfield areas, hilly zones and very dry soils. It is used for ornamental purposes, too.