Prunus Americana (American Plum, Wild Plum)

The American Plum is a small tree or large shrub celebrated for its showy, white, fragrant flowers and bright red plums that ripen in August or September. As the plums mature the deciduous leaves will turn red and yellow,  making this a true 3 season show-stopper.

This native plant can grow to varying heights determined by its climate but most often it grows to 10-15 ft. Its small, short trunk makes it great for urban yards and planting as a thicket. Since Prunus Americana spread by suckering, they can easily spread if not pruned back.

These fruit-bearing mini trees are part of the Rose Family and will have some thorns or prickles. They are also fairly adaptable because they tolerate drought, and dry soil and can grow in full-sun to part-shade. However, they do best in clay, loamy, moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. The American Plum can be found east of the Rockies and in southeast Colorado at elevations from 3,500 to 8,700 feet.

In addition to being quite showy, producing edible fruit, and working singularly or in mass, these large shrubs also have practical uses. Their shrubby crowns make them a common site on farms and along highways where a natural wind block is needed. This is because, as a thicket, they can reduce wind velocity near the ground. Another practical use is to use these in river restoration because they effectively stabilize stream banks and gullies with root suckers.

But who wants to be practical all the time? Many of you may want a pretty tree that you can simply enjoy looking at, smelling, and nibbling on the edible 1″ plums it produces. (You can Enjoy them raw or as jam.) The fruit also provides food for a variety of birds and mammals.

Fun Fact: According to Wikipedia, the Navajo used the Prunus Ameicans to make red die, and the Cheyenne used the branches in the Sun Dance.