Description

Sold in lots of 25 10-24″ or 50 12-18″ bareroot plants, or as single potted plants

Prunus besseyi (bare root) – green-leafed native, bears edible fruit

Prunus x cistena (potted) – purple-leafed hybrid with purple plum, only occasionally bears edible fruit

This shrub grows well in sandy soil and is both drought-resistant and cold-hardy once established.  Bears white-pink solitary flowers in the spring. Besseyi variety bears edible cherries that ripen in the summer.

Size: Besseyi – 2-6 ft tall, low, spreading shrub; Cistena – 7-10ft tall, more upright

Drought Resistance: Excellent

Cold Hardiness: Excellent, Hardy to Zone 2

Growth Rate: 12-24″ per year

Lifespan: 20 years

Wildlife Value: Deer tend to avoid browsing this plant, so it is considered somewhat deer-resistant.  Flowers attract pollinators and berries provide food for birds.

See the NDSU Fact Sheet for more information.

Please note that this store is intended only for use by members of the Weston County Natural Resource District. Shipping is not available.

If you are not a district member, you DO NOT qualify for in-district prices, so please do not make your purchases online. Instead, contact the district by phone or email to make your purchase; we can take your order, send you an invoice, and accept payment by cash, check, or PayPal.  If you’re not sure if you are a district member, please contact us before placing an order. If you are not a district member and place an order online, your order will be canceled and we will attempt to issue a refund through WooCommerce. We cannot guarantee a full refund.