American Plum (Prunus americana) – The American Plum is a native deciduous large shrub or small tree with a broad crown, reaching heights up to 15 feet. Fruits are red to yellow, almost globular edible plums which is used to make preserves and jams. Flowers are white, 5-petaled, about 1 inch across, and borne singly or in clusters at the juncture of a stem and leaf. Leaves are alternate, broadly oval in shape with a sharply tapering tip, and sharply, often doubly toothed edges; they are generally 2 to 4 inches long on slender stalks, dark green above, pale and smooth below. The roots are shallow, widely spreading, and readily sprouting.

The American Plum is widely distributed over the eastern two thirds of central North America and grows in prairies, woodlands, pastures, and along roadsides and riverbanks. The shrub is winter-hardy, but intolerant of shade and drought. It requires the equivalent of 22 to 25 inches of precipitation.

The American Plum is highly important as wildlife cover and food. The thorny, suckering growth, when protected, forms a thicket valuable for bird nesting, loafing, and roosting, and animal loading and bedding. Twigs and foliage provide a highly preferred browse for whitetail and mule deer. The thorny growth and suckering characteristics should be considered before planting this species near a recreation area. It can be used for screening and natural barriers.

Summary

Shape:	Round-headed crown
Leaves:	Simple leaves, elliptical to oblong-ovate
Flower / Fruit:	White, fragrant flowers in early spring; rounded 1” red or yellow fruit in mid summer
Growth Rate:	Rapid
Height:	12 – 20 feet
Zone:	5 to 9
Light:	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type:	Wide range of soil types; Fair to good drought tolerance
Comments:	American plum was and still is used as a source of food and medicine by Native Americans in the midwest and west

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