Western Sand Cherry vs Sour Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Sand Cherry vs Sour Cherry

Prunus pumila var besseyi

Prunus cerasus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Western Sand Cherry
Sour Cherry

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.

Sour Cherry is a self-fertile and cold hardy cherry tree. Not to be confused with sweet cherries, sour cherries are the only cherries that are successfully grown in prairie climates.

Sour Cherry is ideal for cooking, preserves, or for making juices and jams, while sweet cherries are preferred for fresh eating. While we can't confirm claims of sour cherries medical benefits, studies have shown that sour cherries contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate sleep patterns.

Sour Cherry flowers emerge in April-May with fruit ripening in June-July. This variety prefers well-drained soil and does not like any standing water. If you're looking to create an inexpensive edible hedge, consider Sour Cherry.

This Sour Cherry is produced from seed and is not a clonally reproduced selection like the Evans, Rose, or Montmorency.

Western Sand Cherry Quick Facts

Sour Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Berries: small purple cherries
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium