American Plum (Prunus americana)
American Plum is a deciduous tree that may grow 10 to 20 feet tall. The leaves are alternate with a finely toothed margin. The bark is smooth and reddish gray with numerous horizontal lenticels. As the tree ages, the bark becomes rough with irregular ridges and exfoliating curling strips. In spring, 5-petaled, white flowers mature in clusters. The small tree produces a 1-inch, reddish purple to yellow-brown drupe that matures in late summer.
WildlifeThickets provide good cover for songbirds and small mammals year round. Host plant for Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red-Spotted Purple, Spring/Summer Azures, and Viceroy butterflies. Adult butterflies nectar from the spring flowers. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, white-tailed deer, and small mammals.
| Plant Type |
Tree 10-30 feet |
| Leaf Type |
Deciduous |
| Deer Resistance |
Low |
| Regions |
Mountain, Piedmont |
| Light |
Full Sun |
| Soil |
Moist, Dry |
| Bloom Times |
Early Spring |
| Seed Times |
Late Summer |
| Wildlife Value |
Winter Cover, Fleshy Fruit, Butterfly/Insect Nectar, Butterfly Larvae Host |
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