Very showy when in bloom, Prunus americana (American Plum) is a small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub adorned with a graceful, spreading crown clothed with ovate, toothed leaves, 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm). Dark green in summer, they turn brilliant red to pale yellow in the fall. In mid-spring, a profusion of fragrant, 5-petaled white flowers held in flat-topped clusters smother the bare branches and create a terrific floral display. The blossoms give way to clusters of edible, round, red plums which ripen in early summer. Attractive to birds and other wildlife, the plums have a sour outer skin, but their juicy flesh is sweet. They can be harvested for processing into jams, jellies, preserves, and pies. The interior twigs can develop into thorns, making some plants nearly impenetrable. Usually grown for its ornamental value, this fast-growing Prunus species is good as a single specimen and suited to hedgerows.

• Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall and wide (4-8 m). Will sucker to form large thickets in the wild.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Drought and dry soil tolerant.
• Perfect choice for shrub borders, hedges, or screens. It is also grown for erosion control, spreading by root sprouts.
• Susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf spot, canker, black knot, plum curculio, and brown rot.
• Promptly remove suckers to prevent any undesired spread.
• May be rooted from dormant hardwood, softwood, semi-hardwood, or root cuttings. Semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings taken in summer root easiest.
• Native to eastern and central North America.