© Denver Botanic Gardens

sandcherry
Prunus pumila var. besseyi

Fort Collins

Synonyms: Cerasus pumila ssp. besseyi
Dimensions: Height: 4.0 ft. to 7.0 ft.
Spread: 4.0 ft. to 6.0 ft.
Growth Form: Shrub
Program Association: Nature in the City, Xeriscape Incentive Program
Wildlife Uses: Grassland Birds, Large Mammals, Medium-Sized Mammals, Pollinators/ Invertebrates, Riparian Birds, Shrubland Birds, Small Mammals, Woodland Birds
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Low
Plant Community: Foothills, Plains
Season of Bloom: April, May
Flower Color: White Shades
Leaf Color: Green Shades
Aggressiveness: Not aggressive
Design Considerations: Fall Color, Fragrant, Showy Flowers, Winter Interest
Other Considerations: No City Data
Duration: Perennial
Natural Landscape Position: Fort Collins Model
1, 2
Soil Type: Gravel, Rocky, Sandy
Pests/Disease Prone: No
Hazards/Toxic: No City Data.

Notes

Flora of North America recognizes four varieties of P. pumila, all native to the U.S. Varieties susquehanae, depressa and pumila are found in the northeastern states. Variety besseyi is found in most of the midwestern and western states, including Colorado. In Larimer County, this plant appears to be rare in the wild. Only three current populations have been documented, all occurring on City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.

This is an important larval and adult food host for many of our native invertebrates.

This plant is not deer or rabbit tolerant.