Western sand cherry, Rocky Montain cherry
Prunus besseyi

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It is low growing and a ground cover. It can grow 2 m tall and spread 2 m wide. The leaves are grey-green. The flowers are white. The fruit are cherries which are large and sweet. There are some named cultivated varieties.

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. They can also be dried. Caution: Bitter kinds should be avoided.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Prunus pumila var. besseyi (L. H. Bailey) Gleason;