shrubN. America Native

Chickasaw Plum

Prunus angustifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus angustifolia, known as the Chickasaw plum, is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree native to North America that reaches 15 to 30 feet in height. Its rigid, zigzagging reddish-brown branches feature sharp, thorn-like side twigs and produce dense clusters of white five-petaled flowers in early spring before the leaves unfurl.

This species spreads via vigorous root suckers to form dense thickets that serve as critical nesting cover and wildlife shelter. The early blossoms give way to small, edible reddish plums by midsummer, and the glossy foliage turns pale yellow in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers early spring white flowers on bare stems followed by edible summer fruit and pale yellow fall color.

Extensively used for sandy slope stabilization, windbreaks, and naturalized property boundary screens.

Provides early nectar for pollinators, host habitat for beneficial insects, and thicket cover for nesting birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

354"

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or light shade with sandy, loamy, or well-draining soil.
Dig a planting hole as deep as the root system and twice as wide, keeping the root collar level with the soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle air pockets around roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, leaving a few inches clear of the bark.

Pro Tip

Prevent thicket formation by severing root suckers at ground level annually if a single-trunk specimen is desired; otherwise, allow it to colonize freely in naturalized hedging or slope stabilization plantings.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in light, well-draining soils to avoid root crown saturated conditions.
Prune out dead, damaged, or crossing branches during winter dormancy.
Rake and destroy fallen leaves and mummified fruit to limit pest and disease cycles.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Avoid damaging the trunk bark with lawn mowers or string trimmers, which allows borers to enter.
Do not over-fertilize, as high nitrogen levels encourage excessive suckering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion ControlHedgeWindbreakWild & NaturalisticEdible Landscape

Companion Plants

Amelanchier laevis Cercis canadensis Cornus florida Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chickasaw Plum questions

What zones can Chickasaw Plum grow in?

Chickasaw Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Chickasaw Plum deer resistant?

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

When does Chickasaw Plum bloom?

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

Does Chickasaw Plum need full sun?

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

Is Chickasaw Plum drought tolerant?

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