PRUNUS AMERICANA / AMERICAN PLUM

PRUNUS AMERICANA / AMERICAN PLUM

A Hardy Native Tree with Showy Spring Flowers and Edible Fruit

Prunus americana, commonly known as American Plum, is a native small tree or large shrub valued for its fragrant white spring blossoms, dense thicket-forming habit, and flavorful red plums. Blooming early in spring before leaf-out, it provides an important nectar source for pollinators and abundant fruit for wildlife. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soils, American Plum is ideal for hedgerows, naturalized landscapes, and edible native plantings.

Why Choose American Plum?

Showy Spring Blooms: Abundant white flowers in early spring.
Edible Fruit: Produces small red plums suitable for fresh eating, jams, and preserves.
Wildlife Friendly: Flowers, fruit, and dense growth support pollinators and birds.
Adaptable & Hardy: Tolerates a wide range of soil and site conditions.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves with fine serrations; yellow fall color.
Flower Color: Fragrant white flowers in early spring.
Fruit: Red to orange-red plums in late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 15–25 feet tall and wide; often forms thickets.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; adaptable to loam, clay, and sandy sites.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 15–25 feet tall and wide.
Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with spreading habit.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8.
Flowering: Early spring before leaf emergence.
Fruit Production: Late summer; excellent for wildlife and culinary use.

Ideal Uses:

Hedgerows & Screens: Dense growth provides privacy and wind protection.
Edible Landscapes: Perfect for native fruit gardens and homesteads.
Wildlife Plantings: Supports birds, pollinators, and mammals.
Naturalized & Restoration Areas: Excellent for conservation and habitat projects.

American Plum is a versatile and ecologically valuable native plant. Its early spring flowers, edible fruit, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for hedgerows, naturalized landscapes, and edible native gardens.