Origin
Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber, commonly known as the dwarf sour cherry, is a shrub species native to North America. It is primarily found in the Great Plains and Great Lakes regions, including Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Common Names
Dwarf sour cherry is known by various common names, including prairie cherry, sand cherry, western sand cherry, dwarf cherry, and Rocky Mountain cherry. Its scientific name, Cerasus pumila, is derived from the Greek word "kerasos", which means cherry, and Latin "pumilus", meaning dwarf.
Uses
The fruit of the dwarf sour cherry is a popular food among both humans and wildlife. It is often used for making jams, jellies, and pies. Native American tribes would also use the fruit for medicinal purposes, such as treating coughs and indigestion. The plant's bark and leaves contain a chemical compound that acts as a natural insecticide, which makes it useful in pest control.
General Appearance
The dwarf sour cherry is a deciduous shrub that typically grows between 1-2 meters tall. Its leaves are oval-shaped, approximately 2-5 cm long, and have finely serrated margins. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers in May or June, which are followed by small red or purple fruit in July and August. The fruit is approximately 1 cm in diameter and contains a single seed. The plant's bark is reddish-brown and has a scaly texture.
Overview
Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the sand cherry and is native to North America. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and spreads up to 1 meter wide. The sand cherry blooms in late spring or early summer and produces small white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruits of the plant are edible and are commonly used in making jams and jellies.
Light requirements
The sand cherry requires full sun to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to grow spindly and weak. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce a healthy amount of fruit. If the plant is grown indoors, ensure that it is placed in a bright area next to a window that receives plenty of sunlight.
Temperature requirements
The sand cherry is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7, which means it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. However, the plant thrives in moderate temperatures and can grow vigorously in areas with a temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the plant to drop its flowers or fruit prematurely.
Soil requirements
The sand cherry prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil that is slightly acidic. The optimal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils with a pH of up to 7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained because the sand cherry does not tolerate wet feet. If the soil is too compact or poorly drained, consider adding sand or organic compost to improve drainage. The plant is also sensitive to salt and should not be grown in areas with a high salt content.
Cultivation methods
Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber, commonly known as the western sand cherry, is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of climates, although it prefers a well-draining, sandy soil and full sun exposure. When planting, it is essential to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball to ensure sufficient space for the roots to spread.
Watering needs
While Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during its early growth stages to promote healthy root development. Gardeners should ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than shallowly and frequently.
Fertilization
Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber responds well to regular fertilization. It is best to apply fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears, and again in mid-summer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer will provide the necessary nutrients that the plant needs to thrive. Gardeners should avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth without any significant increase in fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber is essential to promote healthy growth and improve fruit production. It is best to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. When pruning, gardeners should remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the center of the plant to promote better air circulation. They should also trim back any competing shoots to encourage fruit growth.
Propagation of Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber
Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber, commonly known as Bessey's dwarf sour cherry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a highly ornamental plant and is primarily grown for its edible and tart cherries. Propagation of Cerasus pumila can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Cerasus pumila through seeds is the most common method. Collect ripe fruits from the plant and remove the seeds from the fruit pulp. Clean the seeds properly and store them in a refrigerator until sowing time. Stratification of the seeds is necessary in this method. Stratification can be achieved by storing the seeds in a moist medium like peat moss or sand for 60-90 days at a temperature of 1-5°C. Sow the stratified seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them slightly moist until germination. The germination period may vary from a few weeks to months.
Vegetative Propagation
Cerasus pumila can also be propagated vegetatively by cuttings. Take hardwood cuttings from the plant during the dormant season. Prepare the cuttings by removing the leaves and cutting the base of the cutting straight across. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and keep it in a bright location without direct sunlight. The cutting will root within a few months. Cerasus pumila can also be propagated through layering. Bend one of the branches of the plant to the ground and cover a part of it with soil, leaving the tip of the branch out of the soil. Secure the branch in place and keep it slightly moist until roots have formed. Cut the rooted branch from the parent plant and plant it in the desired location.
Grafting
Grafting is another method commonly used for propagating Cerasus pumila. Whip grafting and cleft grafting are the popular techniques used for this plant. The scion (the desired plant) and the rootstock (the root system) should be of a similar diameter. Make a clean cut on both the scion and the rootstock and match the cambium layers of both the stems. Use grafting tape or a grafting clip to hold the scion in place until it forms a bond with the rootstock. Keep the grafted plant in a moist environment and wait until new leaves have formed on the scion before planting it in the desired location.
Disease Management
Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber is relatively resistant to diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Cherry leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune and remove infected leaves and to apply fungicides.
- Black knot: This is a fungal disease that causes black, swollen growths on the branches. The infected branches should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Bacterial canker: This is a bacterial disease that causes cankers on the branches and trunk. Infected branches should be pruned and burned, and copper-based sprays should be applied in early spring.
Pest Management
Some common pests that might affect Cerasus pumila (L.) Michx. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) W.A. Weber include:
- Japanese beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves and fruits of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage these pests, it is recommended to handpick them or to apply insecticides.
- Fruit flies: These pests lay their eggs in the fruit, causing the fruit to become soft and inedible. To manage fruit flies, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected fruits and to apply insecticides.
- Mites: Mites feed on the leaves, causing them to become discolored and distorted. To manage mites, it is recommended to prune infected leaves and to apply miticides.
