Plum, American
(Prunus Americana)

American Plum can be a small tree or a large shrub. As a tree, it typically grows to 15-25′ tall with a broad, spreading crown. As a shrub, it suckers freely and can form large colonies. 2-5 flowered clusters (umbels) of 5-petaled white flowers (1″ diameter) appear in March before the foliage. Flowers are followed by edible, round, red plums (1″ diameter) with bright yellow pulp which ripen in early summer. Although the plums can be eaten raw, the quality is somewhat poor. The fruits are perhaps better used for preserves and jellies. Toothed, oblong to ovate leaves are 3-4″ long and turn yellow to red in autumn. Branches and twigs are an attractive dark reddish-brown and sometimes have thorny lateral branchlets. American Plum is very hardy and drought resistant. Excellant for wildlife plantings.