Western Sand Cherry vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Sand Cherry vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Prunus pumila var besseyi

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Black Cherry
Western Sand Cherry

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

Western Sand Cherry is known for its unique, leathery grey-green foliage and beautiful white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental shrub in parks and front yards. Both you and the wildlife will love its edible small dark red to purple cherries.

Due to its small stature and spreading qualities, Western Sandcherry is suitable as an underplanting or groundcover.

Many people graft plum and cherry varieties to Western Sand Cherry and use it as rootstock. It is also popular to graft hardy apricots to.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Western Sand Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Berries: small purple cherries
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry