Ontario Trees & Shrubs website

Sand Cherry
Prunus pumila

Other common names: Dwarf Cherry

French names: Cerisier de Bessey

Family: Rose Family (Rosaceae)

Group: Cherries

Distinctive features: Sub-Shrub

Flowers: Spring, Summer;  White;  5 parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate, Simple

Height: 2 m (6 ft)

Habitat: Fields and Open Areas

Books: Shrubs of Ontario: 209    Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 312   

Native/Non-native: Native

Notes: A prostrate low sub-shrub. There are several varieties, difficult to tell apart.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: pumila: dwarf


Photographs: 187 photographs available, of which 1 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila)
Photograph by Graham Buck


Range map for Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)