Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Developed by Dr. N. E. Hanson of South Dakota State University in 1910 as a cold hardy decorative landscaping plant. Small white flowers bloom in clusters along the branches of this ornamental cherry The plant grows to 10' tall with a spread of about 8'. Multiple stems give the tree a bushed- out, full look adding depth and coverage in the Spring and Summer. The white flowers yield to dark crimson color foliage. The foliage matures to a brilliant gloss over Summer. Grown primarily for its flowers and foliage- the cherries it produces are small and mostly pit. Typically birds get them first! The Cherry is pollution tolerant but does need well drained soils.  USDA Zone: 3-7 Mature Height: 7'-10' Mature Spread: 5'-7' Sun: Full Sun Bloom Dates: Mid April Pollination: Cherry is self-fertile but fruit is essentially inedible and will probably be eaten by birds. Scientific Name: Prunus pumila and Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'