ExplorePlants

sand cherry

Prunus pumila

The sand cherry is a small shrub that grows close to the ground. It has beautiful white flowers in spring and tasty dark cherries in summer that birds love to eat!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The sand cherry is a low, spreading shrub with narrow, shiny green leaves. In spring, it bursts with clusters of tiny white flowers, later producing small, dark red to purplish-black cherries. Its distinctive low growth form stands out.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus
sand cherry
deciduous trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
sand cherry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its scientific name, Prunus pumila, means "dwarf plum"!

Native Americans historically used sand cherries for both food and medicine.

Some sand cherry plants can live for more than 30 years!

These tart cherries are perfect for making delicious pies and jams!

Special abilities

Ability

Sand Surfer

Sand cherry can thrive in sandy, dry soils that many plants avoid, helping it survive harsh conditions.

Ability

Ground Hugger

Sand cherry has deep, spreading roots that help it hold sandy soil in place, preventing erosion.

Ability

Berry Bonanza

Sand cherry produces many small, tart cherries that ripen quickly, providing food for wildlife.

Measurements & details

Height
30-180 cm
Spread
60-250 cm
Flower Size
0.8-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before picking or eating any wild fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is sand cherry?

30-180 cm

How wide does sand cherry spread?

60-250 cm

How big are the flowers on sand cherry?

0.8-1.5 cm

When does sand cherry bloom?

Spring

Is sand cherry edible?

Yes

Is sand cherry toxic?

Mild

What is sand cherry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is sand cherry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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