Prunus americana

The American plum is a small, deciduous, flowering tree or shrub with a short, stout trunk and ascending branches in the rose family. It can be found in rocky or sandy soils in woodlands, pastures, abandoned farms, streams and hedgerows throughout North Carolina. As a tree, it typically grows to 10 to 20 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown. As a shrub, it suckers freely and can form large colonies or thickets. White flowers appear in early spring followed by showy and edible fruit. The genus name comes from the Latin for plum or cherry tree. The species name means of the Americas.

The American plum is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. You can remove suckers to prevent unwanted spread or to train the plant into a small tree.

Maintenance is required to prevent the plant from forming thickets with its thorn-like side branches  unless that is the desired result. It is fairly adaptable, tough plant and is often grown for its ornamental blossoms as much as its fruit.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Seasons of Interest: 

  Blooms:  Early spring            Nut/Fruit/Seed:  Late summer

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  

Leaves and fruits are occasionally disfigured by insects and disease. Plum curculio and brown rot can affect the fruit. Other potential disease problems include leaf spot, canker and black knot. Other potential insect problems include aphids, scale, borers and tent caterpillars.   This plant is susceptible to damage from deer.