American Plum (Prunus americana) – 4-5′

Description

Latin: Prunus americana
Zones: USDA 3–8
Other Common Names: Wild Plum, Thicket Plum
Mature Height: 15–25 ft tall, 10–20 ft spread
Soil/Climate: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils; full sun to partial shade; hardy in a wide range of climates and drought-tolerant once established
Notes: Deciduous tree or large shrub with a rounded to spreading form. Produces fragrant, showy white flowers in early spring before leaf-out, followed by small, sweet, red to purple edible fruits in summer. Bark is dark brown with rough, scaly texture. Often used in hedgerows, wildlife plantings, or naturalized landscapes.
Wildlife: Fruits attract birds, squirrels, and other mammals; dense branching provides nesting and cover for songbirds and small mammals; early blossoms support pollinators such as bees and butterflies.