AMERICAN PLUM, SWEET WILD PLUM Prunus americana
Prunus americana, commonly called the American plum, wild plum, or Marshall's large yellow sweet plum, is a species of Prunus native to North America from Saskatchewan and Idaho south to New Mexico and east to Québec, Maine and Florida.
Prunus americana has often been planted outside its native range.
The American plum grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching up to 4.6 metres (15 feet. The shrub survives harsh winters, down to temperatures of -40 degrees F.
The American plum is used for both ornamental and culinary purposes. The white flowers are decorative in spring and its short, single leader makes it a popular residential landscape tree. Wild Plum fruit begins to ripen in late August, producing plums ranging in colour from yellow to red, but generally maturing to red.
The seeds are in very limited supply.
Type: Hardy tree
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 2-8
Seeds per pack: 3
Note: The seeds and leaves of prunus contain poisons. Do not eat them.
Germination: Use a sterile seed-start mix. Surface sow in a pot. Water, and place in plastic, and in the fridge for 90 days for stratification. Then bring to warmth for them to germinate. Keep continually moist.
