About the Native
American Plum :
The Native American Plum tree, Prunus americana,
is also known as the Native Plum, Hedge Plum, Sloe
or Wild Plum. Native American Plum trees are small,
deciduous, single trunk trees or a multi-stemmed
shrub which occurs in rocky or sandy soils in
woodlands, pastures, abandoned farms, streams and
hedgerows. This deciduous tree typically grows to
15-25' tall with a broad, spreading crown. As a
shrub, it suckers freely and can form large
colonies. The 2 to 5 inch white flowers appear in
early spring before the foliage appears. Flowers are
followed by edible, round, red plums with bright
yellow pulp which ripen in early summer.
This species is usually grown for ornamental
value and not for fruit production, however.
Although the plums can be eaten raw, the quality is
somewhat poor. The fruits are perhaps better used
for preserves and jellies. The leaves turn yellow to
red in autumn for great fall color. Branches and
twigs are an attractive dark reddish-brown. Wildlife
are attracted to the sweet fruits.
