American Plum - Prunus americana
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Phonetic: PROO-nus ah-mer-ih-KAY-nah
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1 Gallon Pot- 2.5-3'
American plum is a small deciduous tree that prefers a full sun to partial shaded environment. American Plum prefers a moist to medium soil but can tolerate a range of poor soils. Its hardiness and tolerance for drought and poor soils make it an important pioneer species in disturbed habitats.
American plum blooms in early to mid-spring, typically from April to May. During this time, it produces an abundance of fragrant white flowers that blanket its branches and attract numerous pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. These insect-pollinated blossoms give rise to round, reddish-yellow fruits that ripen by midsummer, usually in July or August. The fruits are edible, with a sweet-tart flavor, and are consumed by both wildlife and humans. They often persist into late summer, providing a valuable seasonal food source.
American Plum is an important contributor to the ecosystem. It is a host plant for numerous species of butterflies and moths, such as the Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and the Luna Moth. Its nectar-rich flowers are an early-season food source for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy, while its fruits are eaten by birds, mammals, and even reptiles, which help disperse the seeds. The dense, thorny thickets provide nesting sites and protective cover for small birds and mammals.
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Native Region: BONAP Map
- BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Flower Color: White
- Bloom Time: March, April, May
- Soil Type: Medium Dry, Medium , Moist
- Mature Plant Size: 10-20'H, 15-25'W
- Plant Spacing: 5-20'
- Host Plant: Luna Moth, Henry's Elfin, Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail,
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds
- Advantages: Salt Tolerant, Poor Soil Tolerant
- Landscape Uses: Sun Garden, Borders
- Companion Plants: Black Eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Wild Strawberry, Nannyberry
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