American Plum

General
Scientific Name: Prunus americana
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Hardiness: Zone 3
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Shrub

Growth
Rate: Medium Growth
Mature Height: >7’
Longevity: Short
Power Line: Yes

Ornamental
Flowers: White
Fruit: Yellow to red plums
Fall Color: Red to yellow

The wild plum is a native tall shrub to small tree which is thorny, winter-hardy, and thicket-forming. In landscape settings, the species is typically grown for ornamental qualities, not for its fruit. Fruit can be eaten but is typically used to make preserves and jellies.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Fair to good drought tolerance.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide variety of soils.

Used for naturalizing and border plantings. American plum suckers profusely and may not be acceptable in home landscapes.

Some cultivars - hybrids or European plum varieties - are available and were selected for superior fruit quality. See NDSU Extension publication H1558 - Starting a Community Orchard in North Dakota for recommended varieties.

Credits: Tree Selector Website, North Dakota Tree Handbook, http:// www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx? kempercode=e830