Prunus americana / American Plum

American plum! Prolific in flower, colonial in behavior, guarded by thorn-like branchlets — these make excellent wildlife habitat, screening, and hedges. In big fruiting years, they produce hundreds of small, red plums which are great for preserves, juicing, or fresh eating.

Host plant powerhouse! American Plum (Beach Plum and Chokecherry, too) host at least four butterflies and dozens of moths. Butterflies include Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, and Striped Hairstreak.

Height: 8′ – 20′       Blooms: April     Fruits: August

Siting: Average to moist soil, sun to part shade

Deer Resistance: Moderate