Western Sand Cherry, Prunus besseyi, is a native American shrub which displays attractive, single, white flowers in May. It then produces an abundance of 3/4″ purple-black sweet fruit. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed as jellies and pies.

This hardy rounded shrub has silver-green foliage.

Plant the shrub where it will be in direct sunlight for most or all of the day. Well-drained soil is best, but isn’t a requirement because sand cherry is very adaptable to any type of soil, including poor soil.

It makes a great shrub for farmstead windbreaks, patios, specimen plants and accents. The cherries are relished by many birds and the shrub provides a nesting cover for a game and song birds.

This shrub can be used as a screen, hedge, or for a border. Prune sand cherry every year in early spring. Remove any dead or weak branches, and trim the tips of branches to maintain the desired shape and size.