Sand cherry gets high marks for its good looks, tough constitution, and delicious fruits which are relished by humans and wildlife alike. It produces a medium sized, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub, whose branches are densely laden with finger-length, silvery-green, shiny, serrated leaves which turn bright red in the fall. Its woody stems are covered with reddish-brown bark, which darkens to gray as it ages. In late spring, sand cherry bursts into a cloud of white flowers, followed by a crop of small, tart cherries, which are edible and excellent for use in pies and jams. The plants also provide food and nesting shelter for many kinds of birds, who relish the tasty fruits and seeds.
Native to sandy soils and sunny, exposed sites of northern Colorado and the western plains of North America, sand cherry can stand up to harsh environmental conditions. It is adapted to withstand the buildup of windblown sand, which collects around the base of the plants without risk of crown rot. These hardy plants should be grown in full to part sun and well-drained soil. They grow more quickly with some supplemental water, but are not suitable for poorly-drained, clay soils. Once established little care or additional water is needed.
Beautiful, low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly, waterwise choices for sustainable landscapes and gardens. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Prunus
Species - Besseyi
Common name - Sand Cherry
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
Spread - 5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m
Plant type - Medium Shrub
Vegetation type - Decidious
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil type - Laom, Well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, edible fruits
Germination rate - 82%
Bloom season - Spring, Late Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White