Sand cherry
Prunus pumila
Sand cherry (Prunus pumila) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Closely related to Western sand cherry (P. besseyi) but lower-growing native of plains.
Colorado nativelow water3–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Prunus pumila
- Variety / cultivar
- (species)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 3–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Sharp-draining sandy site preferred; rots in heavy wet clay.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sand cherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Sand cherry is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Sand cherry get?
- It matures to about 3–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide.
- How much water does Sand cherry need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Sand cherry safe for dogs?
- No — Sand cherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
