PlantsFruits & Berries
American Plum
Prunus americana
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Edible small tree or thicket; early bloom
ModerateFruits & BerriesAlso TreesEdible
- Light
- Full sun
- Moisture
- Dry–medium
- Mature size
- 12–25 ft
- Spacing
- 12–20 ft
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers Apr; fruit Aug–Sep
- How it spreads
- Strong suckering
- What to buy
- Container or balled-and-burlapped; bare-root in early spring.
- When to plant
- Early Apr–May after soil thaws and drains; Sep–mid Oct for container/B&B. Bare-root: early spring.
In the design
Use at a property edge and manage suckers.
If you eat it
Ripe plums fresh or cooked
Do not eat pits, leaves, or wilted foliage
Only eat what you planted and can name. This is not a foraging or medical guide.
