treeN. America Native

American Plum

Name: American Plum
Brand: Prunus
Availability: InStock

Prunus americana

$83.70

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Short-lived tree, 20-40 years

Native To

Central and Eastern North America

Toxicity

Leaves, stems, and seeds contain cyanide and are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

American Plum is a small, deciduous, thicket-forming tree or large shrub native to North America. It is celebrated for its profuse, fragrant white blossoms that appear in spring before the leaves, followed by small, edible red plums in late summer. This species is exceptionally valuable for wildlife, providing early-season nectar for pollinators, fruit for birds and mammals, and dense, often thorny thickets for nesting and cover. It is a tough, adaptable plant ideal for naturalizing and conservation plantings.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The American Plum puts on a spectacular, fragrant floral display in early spring, covering the entire plant in a cloud of white. Its crooked branches and scaly bark provide winter interest, and the fall color can be a lovely yellow to red.

The tart, juicy plums are edible and can be made into excellent jams, jellies, and preserves. The dense, thorny thickets it forms create a highly effective, low-cost, and impenetrable natural fence or windbreak.

This plant is an ecological powerhouse. It is a host plant for the larvae of Coral Hairstreak and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. Its early flowers are a crucial food source for emerging native bees, and its fruit feeds dozens of species of birds and mammals.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$83.70

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
Set the plant at the same depth it grew in the nursery.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant at least two for cross-pollination if fruit production is a primary goal, as it is not reliably self-fertile.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during its first year and in prolonged droughts.
Allow it to form a thicket for maximum wildlife benefit.
Monitor for common pests like tent caterpillars in spring.

Don't

Do not plant where its suckering habit will be a problem, like in a formal bed.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes weak growth.
Do not consume the leaves, stems, or pits of the fruit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ideal for wildlife gardens and naturalized areasEffective as a dense, thorny windbreak or hedgerowBeautiful spring-flowering specimen for informal landscapes

Companion Plants

Sambucus canadensis Cornus racemosa Viburnum prunifolium Monarda fistulosa Andropogon gerardii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

American Plum questions

What zones can American Plum grow in?

American Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is American Plum deer resistant?

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

When does American Plum bloom?

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

Does American Plum need full sun?

American Plum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is American Plum drought tolerant?

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