Embedded Files
Wild Plum
Left: Prunus americana in bloom
Right: Prunus americana shrub in ASMSA garden
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
The wild plum is best grown in full sun to part shade and in dry to moderate well-drained soils. Will fruit in sun. Prefers pH close to neutral.
Growth Habit/Description:
Deciduous tree that typically grows between 15'-25' but can grow up to 35' and has a wide, open crown. Can occur as a single trunk tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. Clusters of 2-5 white flowers with 5 petals and are 1" in diameter. Red fruit with bright yellow flesh appears after flowers. Thorny, dark brownish-red branches. Toothed, oblong leaves about 3"-4".
Bloom Season:
Flowers bloom in March and fruit emerges in early summer and ripens in late summer/early fall.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. Fall foliage is may be bright red to pale yellow and ripe plums.
Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2015. Taxonomic Data Center. (http://www.bonap.net/tdc). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2015. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)] http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Prunus%20americana.png
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat:
Native to the northern and central Great Plains and the inland of the eastern seaboard. Found in woodland edges, stream banks, and upland pastures.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Host plant to the Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, and Striped Hairstreak along with several moths.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Attracts native and non-native bees and provides nesting cover.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Produces plums and native to America.
Related Plant Species: Belongs to the Prunus genus along with other plums, cherries, apricots, nectarines peaches, and almonds.
Use For Food/Medicine:
Flesh and skin of fruits is edible, the rest of the plant is toxic.
References
References
BONAP. “BONAP’s North American Plant Atlas.” 2013 Bonap North American Plant Atlas. Taxonmaps, 2014, bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Tradescantia.
“Prunus Americana.” Prunus Americana - Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286355. Accessed 11 Sept. 2023.
TWC Staff. “Plant Database.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin, 2022, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pram.
Page updated
Report abuse