Attributes:
This is a very hardy flowering landscape specimen with reddish-purple foliage all summer. It is an excellent contrast tree that can also be used as a deciduous hedge. It can be planted close to paved surfaces and near utility lines and is winter hardy.
Description:
Valued for its reddish-purple foliage, fragrant white and pink spring flowers, and purple-black fruit. Tolerates many soils, requires full sun to light shade to maintain foliage color. Grows 7' to 10' with smaller spread. (zones 3-7)
Wildlife Value:
The Purpleleaf Sandcherry is an important source of food for many small birds and mammals including robins, cardinals, and coyotes. Birds nest in its branches.
History/Lore/Use:
A cross between Prunus pumila and Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' developed by Dr. N. E. Hanson of South Dakota State University in 1910. The parents of this hybrid are native to Western Asia and Caucasia (P. cerasifera) and the northeastern United States (P. pumila). Prunus is the Latin name for plum, and cistena comes from the Sioux word for baby. The fruit is used for making jams, jellies, and pie.
Moisture:
This tree requires moist, well drained soil and is not drought tolerant.
Leaves:
Simple, alternate,intense reddish-purple color all summer.
Flower Color:
Fragrant light pink to white flowers.
Bloom Time:
Late April to early May..
Fruit Description:
Small, sour, black-purple in color, and sparse in quantity.
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