This attractive, deciduous shrub grows quickly to 4-5 feet tall and wide at maturity. Before it leafs out in the spring, it perfumes the air with fragrant white flowers. By July the fruit has developed into edible black cherries about a ½ inch in diameter that attract birds and other wildlife. The glossy green leaves are about 2 inches long and ½ inch wide. In the fall they turn a lovely orange-red color. New growth on the pliable stems is a rich shade of red. Western Sand Cherry performs well in most soils. At lower elevations, plants should receive periodic deep irrigations to reduce stress during the summer months. It is quite tolerant of drought, heat and cold in its natural distribution from New Mexico to the Dakotas.
Prunus pumila v. besseyi (Sand Cherry)
Prunus pumila v. besseyi
Western Sandcherry, Sand Cherry
This attractive, deciduous shrub grows quickly to 4-5 feet tall and wide at maturity. Before it leafs out in the spring, it perfumes the air with fragrant white flowers. By July the fruit has developed into edible black cherries about a ½ inch in diameter that attract birds and other wildlife. The glossy green leaves are about 2 inches long and ½ inch wide. In the fall they turn a lovely orange-red color. New growth on the pliable stems is a rich shade of red. Western Sand Cherry performs well in most soils. At lower elevations, plants should receive periodic deep irrigations to reduce stress during the summer months. It is quite tolerant of drought, heat and cold in its natural distribution from New Mexico to the Dakotas.
| Plant Type | Native, Shrub |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4 (-30° F) |
| Flower Color | White |
| Flower Season | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Height | 5 (ft) |
| Spread | 5 (ft) |
| Spacing | 3' - 5' (ft) |
| Characteristics | Fruit & Berries, Great Foliage, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Pollinators, Wildlife |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Tolerance | Cold, Drought, Heat |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Image by: Wiki Commons
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
This catalog is for reference purposes only. All plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
