American plum
Prunus americana
American plum (Prunus americana) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. White spring flowers, edible small red plums for jam; thicket-forming, best in larger landscapes.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: "Prunus americana" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Prunus americana" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
- Photo 4: "Prunus americana" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: Andrew Ciscel, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 6: Andrew Ciscel
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~20 ft apart (14 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Seeds and pits toxic to dogsThe fruit flesh is safe, but the seeds, pits, and leaves carry trace cyanogen, so keep dogs from chewing them.
- SuckersIt suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.
- ThornyIt is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Suckering native plum; benefits from deep watering first 2 seasons. Sucker management may be needed in small yards.
- Pruning: moderate.
- Fruit: edible.
Frequently asked questions
- Is American plum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, American plum is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting American plum?
- The main things to know: The fruit flesh is safe, but the seeds, pits, and leaves carry trace cyanogen, so keep dogs from chewing them. It suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds. It is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.
- How big does American plum get?
- It matures to about 10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant American plum?
- Space American plum about 20 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 14 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is American plum hardy on the Front Range?
- American plum is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does American plum need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does American plum grow?
- American plum is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is American plum safe for dogs?
- No. American plum is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is American plum deer-resistant?
- No. American plum is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is American plum prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- American plum can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is American plum a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. American plum works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
