American Wild Plum Tree

Prunus americana

The American Plum Tree  is a small, deciduous, single trunk tree or multi-stemmed shrub which occurs in rocky or sandy soils in woodlands, pastures, abandoned farms, streams and hedgerows throughout the southeastern United States. As a tree, it typically grows to 15-25' tall with a broad, spreading crown. As a shrub, it suckers freely and can form large colonies. 2-5 flowered clusters of 5-petaled white flowers appear in March before the foliage. Flowers are followed by edible, round, red plums, 1" diameter, with bright yellow pulp that will ripen in early summer. Although the plums can be eaten raw, the quality is somewhat poor, however many people love the fruits when used for preserves and jellies. Toothed, oblong to ovate leaves are 3-4" long and turn yellow to red in autumn. Branches and twigs are an attractive dark reddish-brown and sometimes have thorny lateral branchlets.