American Plum
Prunus americana
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American plums can grow as a single-stemmed tree or as a multi-stemmed shrub. As a shrub it can grow new stems from areas further away from the initial crown that share the same root system. The combination of the reddish fruit and white flowers set it apart from most other trees and shrubs. In the spring when the flowers are in bloom, the scent around this tree is heavenly. Most wild plums are small understory trees that thrive under the shade of hardwoods. In urban areas, American plum is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree because of its beautiful white flowers. Lookalikes include Chickasaw Plums (Prunus augustifolia) and Beach Plums (Prunus maritima). American plums are native to North America and can be found from southern Canada to Florida, and as far west as New Mexico and Montana. Other common names include wild plum, goose plum and river plum. Interestingly, American plum is most closely related to and hybridizes naturally with the Chickasaw plum, producing P. × orthopsepala. It is in the Rosaceae family.
Trunk/Bark
The trunks are short and begin to branch out at about 1 metre (3') high. Bark tends to be smooth, grey or reddish-brown on young trees. As it ages, the bark splits into curly scales.
Branches/Twigs
Branches grow alternate, are slender, smooth, brown, with thorns. Branches usually make random angular turns rather than being straight. The terminal bud measures about 4 to 8 millimetres (1/8") long, composed of several small overlapping brown scales with light colored tips. Lenticels are yellowish and circular.
Height
A mature American plum tree will usually not exceed 5 metres (16'). Its life expectancy is between 30 and 50 years.
Leaves/Needles
Leaves grow alternate, are simple, oval or oblong, and sharp-pointed. They are pinnately veined and have small, sharp teeth along the edges. They measure 6 to 12 centimetres (2 to 4") long.
Flowers
Flowers usually grow in clusters of five on very short stems. Each flower has five white petals. Flowers tend to cover the tree before the leaves grow. Individual flowers measures 2.5cm (1") in diameter. Each flower has 5 sepals that are green to red, about 1/3 the length of the petals, are lance-oblong and rounded at the tip.
Fruit
American plums are smaller (usually 3.75 cm/1.5") than cultivated plums. When ripe the fruit can be red, blue, purple, or yellow. Each fruit has a single flattened stone.
Habitat
American plums are usually found in fields, in woods, riparian zones, and in some coastal areas. They can grow in a range of soils, including rocky, sandy, nutrient-rich, moist, and well-drained soils. They grow best in full sun to part shade.
Edible Parts
The fruit is edible. American plums have naturally occurring yeast which can ferment the fruit into wine. The yeast can also be used to start sourdough batter. The fruit tastes a bit tart or sour. Fruit is usually ready to be harvested about mid-summer to early autumn.
Other Name
Wild Plum.
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