Sand cherry (Prunus pumila besseyi)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Prunus pumila besseyi is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish flavour, the fruit can also be dried for later use. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A sweetish flavour, the fruit can also be dried for later use.; It makes a rather astringent but tasty jelly.The black, subglobose fruit is a reasonable size, around 8 - 18mm in diameter, and contains one large seed.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy hills, open plains, rocky slopes or shores. Sandy prairies, oak savannahs, rock outcrops; at elevations from 200 - 1,700 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6)