The Small Wild Plum

Why American Plum?

The American plum, Prunus americana, though typically a multi-stemmed shrub, can grow into a small tree and reach up to 20” tall. The tree blooms white fragrant flowers in the early spring and red-colored plums that grow over the summer, which can be used in jams and jellies. The tree is the perfect way to welcome summer with opening arms and enhance the beauty of your backyard.

The fruits are edible and used in making jams, jellies, preserves, and even wine. Despite the sour outer skins, the plums taste sweet and tart when eaten fresh and can also be pitted and dried like prunes to make Kershaw (fruit leather).

Prunus americana grows on the edges of woodlands and prairies and prefers an acidic, well-drained loamy soil. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and doesn’t require much upkeep 

The wild plum tree is easy to transplant and can be grown from seeds. The plant has fruit every year that ripens from August to September, while flowering occurs in April and May. 

Key Information for American Plum Tree (Prunus americana):

• 📏Size: American Plum is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 m) and a spread of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 m).
• 🍂Foliage: The foliage of American Plum is deciduous, with ovate to elliptic leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
• 🌼Flowers & Fruit: In early spring, American Plum produces fragrant, white flowers in clusters before the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by round, reddish to yellowish fruits that are sweet and juicy.
• ↕️Growth Habit: American Plum has a rounded, spreading growth habit with arching branches.
• ☀️Sunlight: American Plum thrives in full sun and prefers open, sunny sites.
• 🪨Soil: American Plum prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
• 🗺️Hardiness: American Plum is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
• 🧪pH Level: American Plum prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
• 🌳Pruning: Pruning of American Plum should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain a healthy structure.
• 🐛Pests & Disease: American Plum is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may be susceptible to plum curculio and brown rot. Regular care can prevent and manage potential issues.

Pollination of American Plum Tree (Prunus americana):

American Plum flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts. The flowers are insect-pollinated and attract bees and other pollinators. The fruits that follow are enjoyed by birds, mammals, and humans. The tart yet flavorful fruits can be used for making jams, jellies, and pies. American Plum is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and edible landscapes. The shrub/tree provides ecological benefits, including habitat and food for wildlife species. It also has cultural significance as a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples. Conservation efforts aim to protect and promote native American Plum populations for their ecological and cultural value. The tree's spring blossoms make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes, where it serves as a valuable pollinator-friendly species.

Fertilization

It is generally recommended to wait to fertilize a bare root plant until it has been established in the ground and is actively growing. This can vary depending on the type of plant and the growing conditions, but it is generally best to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after planting.

During the first year, you should focus on providing the plant with the right amount of water, sunlight and soil to help it become established. Once the plant has become established and is actively growing, you can begin to fertilize it.

You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or one that is specifically formulated for the type of plant you have. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it at the recommended rate.

It is also important to note that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plants, so it's always best to error on the side of caution and start with a lower amount of fertilizer and increase as needed.

Why Buy From Us?

Welcome to our online bare root plant nursery! We specialize in providing high-quality, affordable bare root trees, nursery plants, and garden plants for sale. We understand the importance of having a beautiful garden, which is why we only offer the highest-quality plants at an affordable price.

Our selection of bare root trees, shrubs, and plants includes a wide variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial flowers, deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and more. We carry tree varieties and tree types that are perfect for every type of garden, whether you're looking for fast growing trees, drought-tolerant trees, cold-hardy trees, native trees, or exotic trees.

Our bare root trees are superior to potted trees because they are easy to plant and establish quickly, plus they are more cost-efficient. They are carefully selected and grown to ensure they are healthy, and ready to thrive in your garden.

We also have a large selection of seedlings, including tree seedlings, which are perfect for those who want to grow their own trees from scratch. Our affordable trees are quality trees that are sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment in your garden.

At our wholesale nursery, we also offer bulk pricing for those who want to purchase a large number of trees for their own landscaping business, park, or other commercial project. Contact us directly for wholesale requests.

Our online nursery makes it easy for you to shop for the perfect plants from the comfort of your own home. And with our fast and reliable shipping, you can have your bare root trees, shrubs, and plants delivered right to your door.

We take great care in packaging and shipping our plants to ensure they arrive to you in good condition. And with our easy-to-plant trees, tree saplings, and step-by-step instructions for tree planting, you'll be able to get your new additions in the ground in no time.

Thank you for choosing our online bare root plant nursery. We are confident that you will be completely satisfied with the quality and selection of our plants. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect plants for your garden, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Shipping Schedule for Bare Root Trees & Shrubs

Nursery Trees

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