Sesquehana Sandcherry
Prunus susquehanae
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © srall (iNaturalist #78205769)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Prunus
- Species:
- Prunus susquehanae
- USDA Symbol:
- PRSU3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Acleris oxycoccana, Ancylis albacostana, Ancylis mediofasciana, Filatima persicaeella, Pandemis Leafroller (Pandemis canadana), Peach tree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa), Wild Cherry Sphinx (Sphinx drupiferarum), Xenotemna pallorana, Henry's Elfin (Incisalia henrici)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to sandy barrens and rocky outcrops
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI