Deciduous Native Shrub
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: Up to 8’
Blooms: April - June
Bloom color: White
Fruit: Small edible cherry
Moisture: Dry
Soil: Sandy
Deer: Resistant
Drought: Highly Resistant
Attracts: Birds, native bees
Pollinator benefit: Good spring nectar source; Xerces rated as "special value" to native bees
Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila) This shrub is about 2-6' tall with ascending branches and an irregular crown. Older branches are reddish brown with scattered white lenticels, or sometimes with a light gray coating that peels off to reveal darker bark below. Young shoots are light green. Along the branches and shoots, there are alternate leaves about 1½-2½" long and ½-1¼" across; most of these leaves are tilted upward (ascending). The leaves are broadly elliptic-oblong or obovate with teeth along their middle to outer margins. The upper leaf surface is yellowish green to medium green, while the lower surface is pale green. The petioles are ¼-¾" long.
Natural habitat includes dry sand prairies, inland sand dunes, and foredunes along Lake Michigan.
Source: www.illinoiswildflowers