Practical
Plants

Prunus besseyi

Western Sand Cherry

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Prunus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.2 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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.

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw or cooked[12][7][10]. A sweetish flavour, the fruit can also be dried for later use[7]. It makes a rather astringent but tasty jelly[6].The fruit is a reasonable size, up to 18mm in diameter, and contains one large seed[8]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Plant part
Fruit
Plant part
Seed

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[9].

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[5]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[5]. The plant can be used as a rootstock for plums[4]. It produces mostly dwarf trees that are poorly anchored[7]. Prone to severe suckering[7]. Compatible with most prunes, it is incompatible with damsons and Victoria plums[7]. Resistant to 'Crown Gall'[7]. Trees on this rootstock are productive and very cold hardy[7]. Cuttings are often easy to root but seedlings vary widely[7].

Product or use
Dye

Ecology and functions

Rootstock

Environment

Range
Central N. America - Manitoba and Minnesota to Kansas and Utah.
Habitat
Sandy hills, open plains, rocky slopes or shores[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[8]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[8]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[3]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[2][8]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[8]. Division of suckers in the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. Layering in spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, doing well on limestone[2][8]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[2][8]. Established plants are drought resistant[4]. A very hardy plant, probably tolerating temperatures down to about -50°c when it is fully dormant[4]. It is cultivated for its edible fruit in warmer climes than Britain[2], there are some named varieties[7]. It flowers very well in this country but does not usually produce much fruit[2]. Another report says that it sometimes fruits abundantly in Britain. The cultivar 'Black Beauty' crops well and has small black sweet fruits[8]. 'Hansens' has large fruits with a good flavour[8]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[9]. Plants are inclined to sucker and can produce dense thickets[4]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

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  4. Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

    ↩1↩2

  6. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  7. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10

  9. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2

  10. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩

  11. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

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  12. Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press 1967-00-00 ISBN 0-8623-0343-9

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