Start growing
Very hardy. Forms colonies (thickets) if not pruned. Full sun.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
American Plum
Prunus americana
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
American Plum care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Prunus americana
- Common names
- Wild Plum
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Prunus
- Species
- P. americana
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® kit explores 'Stone Fruit' germination – cracking the hard shell to wake the seed.
Propagation
Seed or suckers.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Early spring bloom; summer fruit harvest.
Growing conditions
Thickets, pastures, and riverbanks.
Weather & tolerances
Drought tolerant; cold hardy.
Pests & plant health
Plum curculio, black knot fungus.
Plant safety
Fruit edible; pits/leaves contain cyanide precursors (toxic if eaten in bulk).
Botanical features
A suckering shrub or small tree. White fragrant flowers appear before leaves; fruit is about 1 inch.
Varieties
Mostly wild types.
Garden & everyday uses
Jellies, preserves, wildlife habitat
Native range & distribution
North America east of the Rockies.
Conservation
Secure.
Name origins
Latin ‘prunus’ (plum tree).
History
A critical food source for Plains Indians and early settlers.
Grow american plum in a cup.
Tree Seed Starter Kit
American Plum Tree Seed Starter Grow Kit
USD 14.99
Currently unavailable
Prunus americana
60-120 daysView kit →