Species PlantsSand Cherry

Sand Cherry

Prunus pumila

RarePlant
Illustration of Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila)

Sand Cherry is a low-growing shrub with fragrant white flowers and dark purple fruits. It is well-adapted to sandy soils and is often used in erosion control. Its dense foliage and spreading habit make it a valuable plant for stabilizing dunes and sandy areas.

Habitat
Thrives in sandy soils, dunes, and open, dry areas.
Diet
Its flowers attract pollinators, and its fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals.
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Sand Cherry

The best time to see a Sand Cherry is May–July, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,564 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Sand Cherry? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Sand Cherry sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Sand Cherry? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Sand Cherry is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Sand Live Oak
Sand Live Oak
Quercus geminata
Sand Lovegrass
Sand Lovegrass
Eragrostis trichodes
Sand Pine
Sand Pine
Pinus clausa
Sandbar Willow
Sandbar Willow
Salix exigua
Sandbar Willow (Interior)
Sandbar Willow (Interior)
Salix interior
Sargent's Cherry Palm
Sargent's Cherry Palm
Pseudophoenix sargentii
Saskatoon Serviceberry
Saskatoon Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia
Sassafras
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum