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Hog Plum Prunus umbellata

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
PROO-nis um-bell-AY-tuh
Description

Flatwoods plum is a small native deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family.  They have short thickened trunks and dense flat-topped crowns and can easily form thickets if not maintained. They are found naturally in upland, xeric, sandy and rocky woodlands. This plant has moderate drought tolerance. This plant can live up to 40 years. If planted in sandy soils, this plant needs more water and shade than usual.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#drought tolerant#native tree#native shrub#native bees#flowering tree#NC native#edible fruits#pollinator plant#Braham Arboretum#edible tree#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#mammals#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#drought tolerant#native tree#native shrub#native bees#flowering tree#NC native#edible fruits#pollinator plant#Braham Arboretum#edible tree#larval host plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#mammals#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#Audubon#eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Prunus
    Species:
    umbellata
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern U.S.A., NC
    Wildlife Value:
    This is a larval host plant to Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). You may see three flights from February-November in the deep south and two flights from May-September in the north. Native bees are attracted to the flowers.
    Edibility:
    Plums are used to make jellies and jams.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Horizontal
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Thorns
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are available August-September and are black in color.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Rounded umbles white to cream late-blooming flowers. Flowers bloom March-April.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Flowering Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses