Douglas County Conservation District                                                                         ~Helping People Help the Land~                                                                                                            

by promoting projects through education to further the long- term sustainable   use of natural resources balancing the needs of agriculture and urban growth

                

                                                                            PO Box 688, 7519 E. Hwy 86, Franktown, CO 80116

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EDUCATION / INFO
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FINANCIAL ASSIST
NOXIOUS WEEDS
PRODUCTS
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SEEDLING TREES
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WATERSHED DAMS

Sand cherry
Prunus besseyi                   

Cherry Recipes

Wildlife Value

Provides preferred fruit for numerous songbirds.  Growth form creates good roosting and loafing cover for songbirds and game birds, and nesting cover for songbirds.  Occasionally browsed by deer.  Short-lived; notable decline in vigor after five years.  Native to northern Great Plains, including northeastern Colorado.

Growth form spreading
Crown density moderate
Size 3' high
4' spread
Drought
resistance		 good
Cold hardiness good
Growth rate rapid
Life span short
Elevation
range		 to 7,500 feet
Soil
conditions		 best on sandy to loamy soils
Possible insect
problems		 pear slug; fall web worm
Possible disease 
problems		 powdery mildew
Wildlife value excellent:  browse and food value
Seasonal color pink flowers
Miscellany native; edible fruit