Purpleleaf Sand Cherry

Prunus × cistena N.E.Hansen ex Koehne

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

Cats, dogs, horses: NC State's plant page lists this shrub as a problem for cats, dogs and horses, but the page does not say which part or how serious it is. Treat the whole plant as unsafe for them to chew.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 2a to 8b per NC State; USDA 4, and the warmer parts of 3, per University of Connecticut
Light: Full sun.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 7 to 10 ft (2.1 to 3 m) tall and 5 to 8 ft (1.5 to 2.4 m) wide. Illinois Extension: 6 to 10 ft (1.8 to 3 m) tall and 5 to 8 ft wide, and it can be trained as a small tree. UConn: 7 to 10 ft tall and no more than 5 ft (1.5 m) wide.
Family: Rosaceae (UConn, Illinois Extension)
Where it comes from: Hybrid between an Asian tree (Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea') and a native shrub (Prunus pumila), per NC State.