American Plum (Prunus americana)

common name: 
American plum, wild plum
 | 
scientific name: 
Prunus
 
americana
White blossoms on thin tree branches against a blurred background.

American plum (Prunus americana) in bloom, showcasing dense clusters of white flowers in early spring, April 2026

Image Creadit: 
Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant
Leafless trees and shrubs with white flowers beside a grassy field under overcast skies.

American plum (Prunus americana) forming a flowering thicket in early spring in eastern Nebraska, April 2026

 

American plum (Prunus americana) is a native small tree or large shrub widely distributed across the Great Plains and valued for both its ecological benefits and ornamental qualities. In early spring, it produces abundant clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom before or just as the leaves emerge, providing an important early-season resource for pollinators. These flowers develop into small, round plums that ripen in late summer, offering a valuable food source for birds and wildlife as well as opportunities for human use in jams and preserves.

Charecteristics
Plant type: 
Deciduous shrub
Hardiness Zones: 
3, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8
Light Needs: 
Full Sun
Water Needs: 
Moist
Space Requirements: 
12-24 feet
Height Requirements: 
10– 5 feet
Spread Requirements: 
More than 12 feet
Bloom Color: 
White
Bloom Time: 
Spring
Leaf Color: 
Green
Wildlife Attraction: 
Birds
Companion Plant Tolerance: 
Drought
Uses: 
Flowering Tree
Varieties