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Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Wild Plum

Prunus americana
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Red

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

8 to
20
feet

Spread:

8 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 8 to
20
feet
Spread: 8 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 8 to
20
feet
Spread: 8 to
20
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Specimen, shrub border, hedgerow or screen. Use along the edge of a woodland and to attract birds. Baltimore orioles feed on the nectar-rich flowers.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soils. Some plants sucker and others don't. Remove suckers to prevent unwanted spread if necessary. Fairly adaptable.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Edible, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

Can be grown as a single trunk tree or multi-stemmed shrub. The pure white, fragrant flowers are among the first to open in spring. Heavier flowering in sun. Yellow to red, round, edible fruits, 1″ in diameter. Host to Red-spotted Purple Butterfly and many moths.

Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

Red plum fruits on the wild plum tree.

Wild plum fruits. Photo by Jes Holtz.

 

Wild plum flowers. Photo: www.HenryDomke.com.

 

Wild Plum tree, growing as a single trunk stem with branches radiating from it, rather than a low bush.

A wild plum tree. Photo by Jes Holtz.

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