COMMON MAYDAY  Prunus padus
• A hardy, early‑flowering ornamental tree valued for its long, fragrant clusters of white spring blossoms, forming a rounded crown with dense branching and clean green foliage through summer.
• Produces abundant small black drupes in late summer that are technically edible but strongly astringent; fruit is far more attractive to birds than people and can create noticeable mess on hard surfaces.
• Known for its tendency to sucker from the base, especially when stressed or pruned heavily; best suited to open lawn areas where suckers can be mowed. While this may be undesirable in tight urban beds, it becomes an asset in shelterbelts, where suckering helps fill gaps, maintain a dense lower tier, and support long‑term stand renewal without replanting.
• Tolerant of drought, clay soils, and exposed prairie sites; however, periodic monitoring for pests and pruning is required.
• Full Sun
• Zone 2, 6–8 m Height × 5–6 m Width
