Western Sand Cherry
Prunus besseyi
PROO-nus BES-see-eye
Shrubs: Native Shrub
Zone
2: -50° to -40°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
Displays attractive, single, white flowers in May. It then produces an abundance of 3/4-inch purple-black sweet fruit. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed as jellies and pies. Native range from Manitoba to Wyoming and Colorado.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Purple
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Pink
Blooming Time
Mid Spring - Mid Spring
Habit
Spreading
Height
4–6 ft
Spread
4–6 ft
Form
Single
Characteristics
Type
Native Selection
Safety
Toxic to Dogs/Cats
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators; Attracts Birds
Uses/Placement
Massed
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Part Sun
Soil Texture
Sandy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Dry to Average
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Moderate Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Rarely Needs Division
