Description

Keystone Value: The genus Prunus (Cherry/Plum) supports over 450 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars, providing food for a variety of birds and mammals.

American Plum (Prunus americana) is a broad and spreading deciduous tree that has showy white flowers in the spring. It can also be used as a shrub and can form large colonies. The white flowers are fragrant and attract birds and other wildlife. Once these flowers have dropped they produce a small 1″ red plum that can be eaten raw but are even better as a jam or preserve. The fruit provides food for a variety of birds and mammals. American Plum is fairly adaptable, being tolerant of drought and dry soil. In the landscape it can be used as a specimen tree, for its flowering, and bright red to yellow fall color.

Note: We recommend planting in groups of three to maximize fruit set.