Western Sand Cherry 2ft

The Western Sand Cherry is a tough, compact native shrub admired for its fragrant spring blossoms, ornamental foliage, and edible fruit. In early spring, it’s covered with clusters of white, sweetly scented flowers that attract bees and butterflies. By late summer, it produces dark purple to nearly black cherries that are tart yet flavorful — excellent for jams, jellies, and wildlife foraging.

This low, spreading shrub typically grows 5–6 feet tall and wide, forming an attractive mound of silvery-green leaves that turn orange to red in fall. It’s well-suited for borders, erosion control, or naturalized plantings, especially in dry or sandy soils.

Exceptionally hardy in zones 3–6, Prunus besseyi thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and cold once established. A durable, multi-purpose native that offers spring beauty, summer fruit, and brilliant fall color — perfect for tough landscape spots or wildlife-friendly gardens.

Why Bare Root
The benefits of buying and planting bare root trees are extensive. Bare root trees are more cost effective and will typically reach their mature size quicker. They are easier to manage and plant due to not being established within a medium in a container. Bare root shrubs and trees will grow faster since they have 200% more root mass than that of trees purchased in a container or B&B. The plants are also not having to go through the adjustment period of acclimating to different soil conditions since they are not coming in a medium.  For more information, please see CSU Extension Service’s “The Science of Planting Trees.”

Pickup for all Bare Root Plants will take place at The Shire at Old Ranch (3860 Old Ranch Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80908).