shrubN. America Native

Klamath Plum

Prunus subcordata

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus subcordata, known as the Klamath plum, is a deciduous large shrub or small tree native to mountain slopes, canyons, and woodlands of the western United States. It produces small white to light pink five-petaled flowers in early spring before developing small, edible reddish-yellow fruits.

This species forms dense, spiny thickets through vigorous root suckering and exhibits stiff, crooked branch architecture with horizontal lenticels on its bark. Its simple green leaves turn bright red to yellow-brown in fall before dropping.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers white spring blooms followed by vivid red foliage in fall.

Spreads via root suckers to bind loose soil and stabilize dry slopes.

Provides early-season pollen for native bees and edible fruit for native birds and mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

315"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested (foliage, stems, seed pits)

Bloom period

Early Spring – Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun to light shade in a location with sharp drainage.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the primary root system.
Apply organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Prune minimally during winter dormancy to remove dead or damaged branches.

Pro Tip

Allow this native shrub sufficient room to spread via root suckers on slopes or informal boundaries, as fighting its thicket-forming habit through continual root pruning weakens the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide well-drained soil to avoid root crown diseases.
Give plants room to form natural thickets on dry slopes or restoration sites.
Prune out dead wood or crossing branches during late winter dormancy.

Don't

Do not plant in wet soils or areas subject to standing water.
Do not cut hard into old, leafless thicket stems that lack active buds.
Do not allow livestock, dogs, or cats to consume foliage, stems, or seed pits.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion ControlWildlife HedgeEcological RestorationDry Slope Stabilization

Companion Plants

Pinus ponderosa Quercus garryana Arctostaphylos manzanita Ceanothus cuneatus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Klamath Plum questions

What zones can Klamath Plum grow in?

Klamath Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Klamath Plum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Klamath Plum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Klamath Plum bloom?

Klamath Plum typically blooms in early spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Klamath Plum need full sun?

Klamath Plum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Klamath Plum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Klamath Plum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.