American Plum is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. It produces fragrant white to pink flowers in early spring, followed by small, round, yellow or red plums in late summer to early fall. These plums are edible and often used for jams, jellies, and preserves. The tree’s glossy green leaves turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, adding aesthetic value to the landscape.
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 10–20 feet
•Spread: 10–15 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Preferences: Adaptable to a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils; prefers well-drained soils but tolerates moist conditions
•Bloom Time: Early spring (April–May) before the leaves emerge
•Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
•Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a rounded, spreading canopy
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Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for several species of butterfly larvae, including the Red-spotted Purple
Pollinator Importance:
•Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its early spring blossoms.
•Provides shelter for birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects.
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Companion Plants:
•Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) – Adds vibrant summer flowers that attract pollinators.
•Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – Attractive to pollinators and complements the early blooming season of American Plum.
•Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry) – A native shrub that thrives in similar conditions and provides late-season fruit for wildlife.
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Ecological Importance:
•Wildlife Food Source: Fruits are eaten by a wide range of birds, including woodpeckers, robins, and migratory birds. Small mammals such as raccoons, squirrels, and deer also consume the fruit.
•Pollinator Support: Early spring flowers provide important nectar and pollen for early-emerging bees, butterflies, and moths.
•Bird Habitat: Provides nesting sites for birds, especially in hedgerows and riparian zones.
•Erosion Control: The root system helps prevent soil erosion on slopes and along stream banks.
•Soil Improvement: As a legume, American Plum helps enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen.
•Cultural Significance: Native peoples used the fruit for food, and the tree was historically planted in homesteads for its edible plums and as a wildlife attractant.