Prunus pumila L.

Low, diffusely branched, decumbent or prostrate shrubs, to 1(–3) m; lvs narrowly to broadly oblanceolate, varying to oblong, 4–10 cm, obtuse or acute, the margin firmor cartilaginous, finely and remotely glandular-serrate, long-cuneate to acute at base, glabrous, often glaucous beneath; fls in clusters of 2–4, on pedicels 4–12 mm; sep glandular-serrulate; pet elliptic to round-obovate, 4–8 mm; fr nearly black, subglobose, 1–1.5 cm thick, edible; 2n=16. Four fairly well marked vars. may be recognized:

Dunes and sand, or on calcareous rocky shores. Shores of the Great Lakes on sandy, gravelly, or rocky beaches, dunes, interdunal flats; at elevations from 70-200 metres.

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also dried and preserved. They are also mixed with sour apple-juice to make a jelly.

Can be grown by cuttings or seedlings.