Plum, American

The American plum (Prunus americana), also known as the native plum or wild plum, is a hardy and adaptable fruit shrub that is native to North America. This fast-growing native is thicket forming. It is a versatile tree that can be used for a variety of purposes, including producing fruit, providing shade, and attracting wildlife. American plums are known for their sweet, tart flavor and their high nutritional value; they are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Edible fruits are praised for their flavor in jams and jellies. The American plum prefers full sun to part shade, and is tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions, black walnut juglones, and clay soils. The shrub provides food and cover for wildlife, especially good nesting habitat for rarer songbirds like Yellow-breasted Chat and Bell's Vireo. It also provides food for bees and many butterfly species, including Tiger Swallowtail.

Shrub height: 10-15 feet
Fruit type: Freestone, flesh easily separates from the pit
Fruit size: About 1 inch in diameter.
Shape: Round or oval
Taste: Sweet, tart
Color: Red, purple, or yellow
Cold hours: 200-400
Fruit maturity time: August-September
Flowering time: March-May, before most other fruit trees

Pollination:
American plum trees are self-fertile, meaning that they do not need another tree of the same variety to produce fruit. However, cross-pollination can improve fruit set and quality. If you want to plant more than one American plum tree, it is a good idea to choose two different varieties to ensure good pollination. See our Pollination page for more information on cross-pollination varieties and requirements!