Sand cherry, Dwarf cherry
Prunus pumila

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

It is a low growing shrub. It grows 75 cm high and spreads 75 cm wide. The leaves are grey-green. They are 35 mm long. There are teeth near the tips. The leaves have a blue tint underneath. The flowers are white and in clusters. The fruit is black or dark red. They can be sweet or acid.

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Where it is found

Temperate. It grows well on sandy soils. It suits hardiness zones 2-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also dried and preserved. They are also mixed with sour apple-juice to make a jelly.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

The fruit including pits are pounded and made into a jelly like mass which can be dried and stored.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx.; Prunus pumila var. pumila; Prunus pumila var. typica Groh & Senn;