Prunus × cistena, commonly called purple-leaf sand cherry, is an upright deciduous shrub that typically grows 6-10’ tall and 5-8’ wide. It also may be trained as a small tree. This is a very hardy flowering landscape specimen with reddish-purple foliage that keeps its unique color all summer. Care Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but best flowering and leaf color generally occur in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential. Prune as needed after flowering. Propagate by rooted stem cuttings. The Genus name from Latin means plum or cherry tree (sometimes called either). Best grown in zones 2-8. Growth Habit Produces fragrant light pink to white flowers from late April to early May. Features an attractive. reddish-purple leaf coloring that lasts through the summer. Yields purple-black fruit primarily for wildlife. Toxicity The fruit of the purple leaf sand cherry (Prunus × cistena) is edible but has a strong flavor, and some people make jams or preserves from it. However, the pits should not be eaten. The plant itself is not poisonous, and is a popular flowering tree used in landscaping due to its distinctive reddish-purple foliage
