Prunus besseyi

L. H. Bailey

Western sand cherry, Rocky Montain cherry

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 142 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A deciduous shrub growing to 1.2 m (4 ft) at medium rate. Hardy to UK zone 3. Flowers in May. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist soil but tolerates drought.

Description

A shrub. It is low growing and a ground cover. It can grow 2 m tall and spread 2 m wide. The leaves are grey-green. The flowers are white. The fruit are cherries which are large and sweet. There are some named cultivated varieties.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw, cooked or dried for later use. It has a sweetish flavour and makes a somewhat astringent but tasty jelly. Fruits are a reasonable size, up to 18mm in diameter, each containing one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. They can also be dried. Caution: Bitter kinds should be avoided.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate drought.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, doing well on limestone. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Established plants are drought resistant. A very hardy plant, probably tolerating temperatures down to about -50°c when it is fully dormant. It is cultivated for its edible fruit in warmer climes than Britain, there are some named varieties. It flowers very well in this country but does not usually produce much fruit. Another report says that it sometimes fruits abundantly in Britain. The cultivar 'Black Beauty' crops well and has small black sweet fruits. 'Hansens' has large fruits with a good flavour. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants are inclined to sucker and can produce dense thickets. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed requires 2–3 months of cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible, with protection from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, then plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Half-ripe wood cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Suckers can be divided during the dormant season and planted directly into permanent positions. Layering can be done in spring.

Other Uses

The leaves yield a green dye and the fruit a dark grey to green dye. The plant can be used as a rootstock for plums, producing mostly dwarf trees that are poorly anchored and prone to severe suckering. It is compatible with most prunes but incompatible with damsons and Victoria plums. It is resistant to Crown Gall, and trees on this rootstock are productive and very cold hardy. Cuttings are often easy to root, though seedlings vary widely.