Prunus pumila First Editions® Jade Parade® – Dwarf Cherry

This ground hugging shrub can be found on sandy, rocky soils, cliff faces, stream beds, and other difficult exposed sites. It forms dense mats and deep roots that are effective for erosion control or stream bank restoration. Small white flowers are followed by dark purple 1/2”-5/8” fruits that are the largest of all native cherry species; they’re edible but tart. Add some sugar and use them for preserves or syrup – or leave them for wildlife. Foliage turns shades of yellow, orange and red in Fall.

Botanists have accorded varietal status to a number of forms of Prunus pumila. Jade Parade® was selected at the University of Connecticut from a cross of Dwarf Cherry (Prunus pumila var. depressa) and Appalachian or Sesquehanna Cherry Prunus pumila var. susquehanae. From a horticultural perspective the differences are minor and it seems simplest just to assign any horticultural creations to Prunus pumila sensu lato.

If you really want to get lost in the botanical weeds, however, some botanists accord Prunus pumila var. susquehanae full species status as Prunus susquehanae. In which case Jade Parade® would become an interspecific hybrid as Prunus × Jade Parade®.