Prunus pumila - Sand Cherry
Prunus pumila is a low growing native shrub that forms a spreading mound of fine textured foliage with small white flowers appearing in spring followed by dark purple to black fruit. Its compact habit and adaptability make it a strong choice for naturalized plantings, slopes, and areas where a tough native groundcover is needed.
Height & Spread: 12 - 24 in x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Dry sandy to average well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to North America and is commonly found in sandy soils, dunes, and open sites where it plays a role in stabilization and habitat support.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Produces small dark fruit that are eaten by songbirds and other wildlife during the summer season.
Butterflies
- Supports early season pollinators including butterflies that visit the spring flowers for nectar.
Bees
- Attracts native bees which forage from the small white blossoms during its spring bloom.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 5 ft apart to allow plants to spread and form a dense low growing colony.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for slopes, sandy soils, coastal plantings, and naturalized areas where it can provide groundcover and erosion control.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright native grass texture and seasonal color alongside the low spreading form.
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) - Creates a dense evergreen groundcover that thrives in similar dry sandy conditions.
- Amorpha canescens (Leadplant) - Brings soft gray foliage and summer blooms that complement the shrub’s natural look.
- Juniperus horizontalis (Creeping Juniper) - Provides evergreen structure and additional erosion control in tough sites.
- Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod) - Adds late season color and pollinator support in naturalized plantings.