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| ## dwarf sand cherry {#dwarf-sand-cherry .Title-Header}               |
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| *Prunus pumila* L. var. *depressa* (Pursh) Gleason                    |
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| Plant Symbol = PRPUD                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

![Color image of Dwarf Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila
depressa)](media/image2.png){width="3.0in" height="2.0in"}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

eastern sandcherry

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

Dwarf sand cherry is useful primarily as a streambank and lakeshore
stabilization plant where the soil conditions are sandy and well
drained. It is prostrate, and will be shaded out over time by taller
plants, but produces an extensive root system and roots down where the
stems touch the ground. The plant top growth tends to trap sand during
flood events. Sand cherry produces fruit which is of value to wildlife.

This plant may also have landscaping potential due to it's dense, neat
prostrate growth and attractive spring flowers.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Dwarf sand cherry produces creeping stems that radiate outward from the
original plant. The prostrate branches seldom produce growth over 12-15
inches high, but the branches may be 10-15 feet long. The gray or black
colored stems root prolifically where they contact the ground. The root
system is fibrous and extensive. The simple leaves are long and narrow,
roughly 2 1/2 by 1/2 inches, and medium green in color. The leaves are
shiny on the top surface. Small white to pinkish flowers are produced in
May.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Dwarf sand cherry is native to the region from the Delaware River to the
Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec. As the cultivar was from the southern end of
the range, it is expected that it will be adapted to the cooler
microclimates in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It is found on sandy
soils along streams and other water bodies, but will grow successfully
on other soils that have good drainage. The plant is drought tolerant
once established, yet will tolerate periodic flooding of short duration.

For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page
for this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Planting 1-0 nursery bare-root stock is preferred. Older plants are
usually too large for easy planting. Take care to properly place the
root system in the planting hole or trench. Plant dormant stock early in
the spring as possible. Containerized plants can be planted in early
summer as well. There are 2,900 seeds per pound.

Dwarf sand cherry should be planted in mixtures with other species for
critical area treatment. Spacings of 4x4 to 5x5 work well. This plant
should not be used where reed canary grass, common reedgrass, or
Japanese fleeceflower is present due to the rapid shading that these
plants generate.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Once established, dwarf sand cherry requires no management. Other local
native species will seed into the environment created by the sand cherry
and occupy the site. Sites with a combination of factors which favor the
sand cherry will retain the stand, but most will not over the long term.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

'Catskill' dwarf sand cherry is the only cultivar that has been released
in the US. It was selected from a native stand found along the Delaware
River on the NY-PA border.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program

##### 

##### Edited: 25Apr2002 JLK; 060809 jsp {#edited-25apr2002-jlk-060809-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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