Is Western sand cherry edible?

Western Sandcherry is a small winter hardy shrub that grows to a height and width of 5-6′. It is a three season interest shrub that displays white fragrant flowers in the spring that are followed by purplish black fruits in the summer. The fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh, dried or in jellies and jams.

Is purple leaf sand cherry edible?

The fruits are edible, if strong-tasting. Some people make jams or preserves from them. It is not advisable to eat the pits. Frost-tolerant, purple leaf sand cherries can be grown up to USDA Hardiness Zone 2a.

Do sand cherries taste good?

These seeds are dispersed by birds and animals and can readily sprout where dropped. My wife Polly has found the juice of the western sand cherry fruit, although tart and pucker-inducing, to be a flavorful addition to any fresh fruit drink.

How fast does purple leaf cherry grow?

13 inches to 24 inches per year
The fast-growing plant (clocking anywhere from 13 inches to 24 inches per year) can be planted in early spring and is relatively easy to grow in most zones, as it’s good at adapting to a variety of soil and sun conditions.

Where does Prunus pumila var.besseyi grow?

Hardy to USDA Zone 3 Native range from Manitoba to Wyoming and Colorado, east to Minnesota and Kansas. In the botanical literature this plant is more commonly listed as one of thee varieties (var.) of Prunus pumila, Sand Cherry, that is Prunus pumila var. besseyi, Western Sand Cherry.

What kind of plant is Prunus besseyi sand cherry?

The other varieties are P. p. var. pumila, Great Lakes Sandcherry, and P. p. var. susquehanae, Susquehana Sand Cherry. besseyi: after Charles E. Bessey (1845-1915), American botanist, considered one of the great developers of botanical education in the U.S.

What kind of poison does Prunus besseyi Bailey have?

Prunus besseyi – L.H.Bailey. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste.

What kind of climate does Prunus pumila live in?

Sun to part shade. Tolerates cold, heat, wind, and drought. Hardy to USDA Zone 3 Native range from Manitoba to Wyoming and Colorado, east to Minnesota and Kansas. In the botanical literature this plant is more commonly listed as one of thee varieties (var.) of Prunus pumila, Sand Cherry, that is Prunus pumila var. besseyi, Western Sand Cherry.

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