Prunus susquehanae
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Prunus susquehanae

Sesquehana sandcherry

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
0
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 3–8
Click count
192
Observations
5

Description

Source: leafsnap

Prunus susquehanae, commonly known as the Susquehanna cherry or Susquehanna plum, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, it can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant features a rounded crown and smooth gray bark, which turns rougher with age. The leaves of Prunus susquehanae are simple, alternate, and ovate with serrated edges. They are dark green during the summer, transitioning to yellow-orange in autumn before they fall. In early spring, before the leaves appear, the plant produces small white flowers. These flowers give way to edible red fruits that resemble cherries but have a sour taste. Prunus susquehanae thrives in moist soils and can grow well in full sun or partial shade. It is commonly found along streamsides, wetlands, and other moist habitats within its range. Beyond its ornamental appeal for gardens and parks, Prunus susquehanae provides food for wildlife, including birds and mammals, which feed on its fruits in autumn when other food sources are scarce.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Water the Susquehanna sand cherry once before it begins to bud in mid-spring, and then continue to water it monthly until the fall. Ensure each watering is thorough, watering until drainage stops. After each watering, loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Stop watering in the autumn and winter to prevent frost damage.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Sesquehana sandcherry is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which offer abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 0–32.2°C

Sesquehana sandcherry is highly adaptable to a range of climatic conditions, whether facing blistering summers or cold winters. It does, however, have an optimal temperature range for growth. When temperatures become too high, the plant is liable to suffer heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In areas where temperatures approach the lower edge of its cold tolerance, it is important to provide insulation to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 0–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is important when fertilizing Sesquehana sandcherry. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Sesquehana sandcherry needs regular pruning to prevent branches from becoming overcrowded. This helps ensure good air circulation and adequate light exposure, reducing the risk of pests and diseases. Additionally, selectively removing some flowers and fruit can improve nutrient distribution, leading to fewer fruits overall but those that remain are of higher quality and taste better.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
0.61 m to 1.22 m
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White, Pink
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer

Tags (4)

Common Names (1)

en Sesquehana sandcherry