Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Black, Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Western sand cherry is a great addition to the landscape, as it's attractive, water-thrifty, and produces tasty edible fruit. A medium-small shrub, growing to 4 to 5 feet tall and maybe a little wider, it has silvery-green foliage that turns red in the fall, and attractive white blossoms that appear in the spring. A multi-purpose plant, many gardeners select this for use as wildlife food and habitat as well. This is a wonderful, low-maintenance fruiting shrub, especially given the resurgence in interest in home food production.

Grow in full sun and well drained soil. Adaptive to soil type and pH. It can be trimmed to a smaller size though it flowers and bears best when allowed to grow to its full size. Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart at planting. It is self-fruitful, though fruit production will be best if you have at least two plants. Hardy to -30F. Tolerates hot and dry conditions.