But since Bboy said that sand cherries are actually a variety of purpleleaf plum, does that mean that in this case, the term "cherry" is really just slang and there isn't any significant difference between sand cherries and flowering plums? Pineresin, do those photos of cherry blossoms not apply to sand cherries (in terms of how many blooms you should expect to see in each cluster)?

Looks like we're coming up blank on your critters. Any chance of an agricultural or horticultural authority you can ask where you live? Then please let us know the answer.

Well, most likely this is just rootstock growth, based on these huge thorns. You will have to look at the trunk, and see if you can see where these branches are emanating from. If you can find a graft site, and if these branches are coming out of the trunk below the graft, they need to be removed, IF there is any of the grafted scion still left. Often what happens with these poorly maintained citrus trees, is the graft has died, just leaving the rootstock, which takes over. It will not produce edible fruit, if all the growth is coming from the rootstock. If you can provide several photos of the trunk, showing where these branches come out, and if there is a visible graft line. The other option, is this is a seedling tree, but it would have to be between 5 and 20 years old, in order to be blooming and setting fruit. Patty S.

compare with prunus serotina ... the wild cherry ... birds like to spread them everywhere ... its a junk tree .. if you are on a small property ... i have a couple near 100 footers ... on 5 acres... no where near the house .. get rid of it... if it doesnt please you ... dont go on any guilt trip ... ken