Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila)
The Prunus family in general seem to be wildlife rockstars. Sand Cherry attracts various native bees and butterflies. This Keystone plant is a host to the Hummingbird Clearwing, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, Cecropia moth, Polyphemus moth, and 413 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Birds tend to love the fruits of cherries. It is a favorite food source for many birds (illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org).
Photo credit: (1) Joshua Mayer, (2-4) John Blair
The Prunus family in general seem to be wildlife rockstars. Sand Cherry attracts various native bees and butterflies. This Keystone plant is a host to the Hummingbird Clearwing, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, Cecropia moth, Polyphemus moth, and 413 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Birds tend to love the fruits of cherries. It is a favorite food source for many birds (illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org).
Photo credit: (1) Joshua Mayer, (2-4) John Blair
The Prunus family in general seem to be wildlife rockstars. Sand Cherry attracts various native bees and butterflies. This Keystone plant is a host to the Hummingbird Clearwing, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, Cecropia moth, Polyphemus moth, and 413 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). Birds tend to love the fruits of cherries. It is a favorite food source for many birds (illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org).
Photo credit: (1) Joshua Mayer, (2-4) John Blair
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Moisture: Medium-Dry, Dry
Height: 2-6 feet
Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: April-June
Bloom Color: White
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite
Host Plant: Hummingbird Clearwing, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, Cecropia moth, Polyphemus moth, and 413 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
