Plant Description:
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi (Bailey) Nizhnikev, commonly known as the sand cherry or western sand cherry, is a shrub in the rose family, Rosaceae. It typically grows between 2-6 feet in height and can spread up to 6 feet in width. The leaves are 1-2 inches long and are glossy, dark green, and toothed. It produces small white flowers during the spring, followed by reddish-purple fruit that is about ¼ inch in diameter.
Origin and Habitat:
The plant is native to central and western North America and can be found in dry, sandy soils in open woodland areas, prairies, or along riverbanks. It can tolerate extreme temperatures, from -40°C to 30°C, which contributes to its adaptability in a variety of environments.
Common Names:
The sand cherry is also known by several other common names, including western sand cherry, dwarf cherry, bessey cherry, and western chokecherry.
Uses:
The sand cherry has a variety of uses, including ornamental, medicinal, and culinary. Its attractive foliage and delicate white flowers make it a suitable plant for landscaping and gardens. It is also used in natural medicine to treat digestive issues and inflammation. The fruit is edible and can be used in making jams, jellies, and wine.
Light Requirements
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi requires full sunlight for optimum growth. It can tolerate some shade, but it is not recommended to plant it in areas with less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to northern regions of North America, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler climates and can be damaged by extreme heat. The average temperature range for Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi grows best in well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it does best in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant also requires good air circulation around its roots to prevent root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation of Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi is commonly known as sand cherry, and it is a small shrub that grows up to a maximum height of about four feet. It is tolerant of drought, poor soil conditions, and high heat. It is ideal for growing in gardens, patios, and containers. This plant requires full sunlight exposure, and it grows well in USDA Zones 2 to 6.
Watering Needs
When growing Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi, it is essential to keep the soil moist but never wet. Water the plant deeply once a week or twice a week during the hot season to keep the soil moist. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering to once a month or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
The sand cherry plant requires regular feeding to grow and produce healthy foliage and fruits. The best time to fertilize this shrub is during the early spring season, just before new growth emerges. Use a slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; these are essential nutrients that aid in the growth and development of the plant. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer, and do not overfeed the plant as it may lead to root burn.
Pruning
Pruning is essential when growing Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi as it promotes a bushier growth form and encourages the plant to produce more fruits. The best time to prune this plant is during the late winter or early spring season; this is when the plant is dormant. Prune any dead or diseased branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to promote bushier growth. Be careful not to cut back too much as this may lead to stunted growth.
With proper cultivation methods, watering, fertilization, and pruning, Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi will thrive and produce healthy foliage and quality fruits.
Propagation of Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi, commonly known as sand cherry or Western sand cherry, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. This plant, characterized by its bright red, edible fruit, can be propagated by various methods, including:
Seed propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Prunus pumila ssp. besseyi is through seeds. These plants produce small, egg-shaped fruits that contain a single seed. The fruit can be harvested when it is fully ripe and the pulp can be removed to extract the seed. The seeds can then be planted in a growing medium, such as peat moss or perlite, and kept moist until they germinate. This method can be done indoors or outdoors, but it is important to note that seed-grown plants may not be true to the parent plant.
Cuttings propagation
Prunus pumila ssp. besseyi can also be propagated using softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken in the spring when the new growth is still green and flexible. Hardwood cuttings are taken in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches long and have at least one set of leaves. The leaves must be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the cutting can be treated with a rooting hormone before planting it in a growing medium. The cuttings should be kept moist until they have established roots.
Layers propagation
Layering is a propagation method in which a portion of a stem is bent down and covered with soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. The stem will begin to form roots where it is in contact with the soil, and a new plant can be cut away from the parent plant once the roots have grown enough to support it. Prunus pumila ssp. besseyi can be propagated using layering in the fall or spring.
Disease Management:
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi is susceptible to various diseases. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Fire Blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium known as Erwinia amylovora. It can be identified by the dark brown to blackened leaves and twigs. Affected areas should be pruned and destroyed in the fall or winter, and the plant should be sprayed with copper sulfate or streptomycin during the growing season.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are caused by various fungi. Symptoms include small, dark, water-soaked spots that can enlarge and merge together. Raking and disposing of infected leaves and shoots can help manage the disease.
- Black Knot: This disease is caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa. It results in black, swollen, and cracked areas of the twigs. The affected areas should be pruned and destroyed in late fall, winter, or early spring, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide during the growing season.
- Crown Rot: This disease is caused by Phytophthora spp. and can result in wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth in the leaves. The best management strategy is to prevent the disease by avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage.
Pest Management:
Prunus pumila L. ssp. besseyi is also susceptible to various pests. Some common pests that can affect this plant are:
- Japanese Beetles: These beetles can skeletonize leaves and cause defoliation of the plant. The best management strategy is to use pheromone traps to capture them before they can do significant damage and to apply insecticides to control their populations.
- Aphids: These soft-bodied insects can cause distortion and curling of the leaves. They can be managed by pruning affected areas and using insecticidal soaps or oils to control their populations.
- Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. They can be managed by increasing plant diversity, using insecticidal soaps or oils, and regularly washing the leaves with a high-pressure stream of water.
- Scale Insects: These insects can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth in the leaves. They can be controlled by pruning affected areas and using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control their populations.
