American Red Plum
Prunus americana
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 8 m high and spreads 3.5 m wide. The leaves are oval and usually widest slightly below the middle. They are 6-10 cm long and 3-4.5 cm wide. They are fully rounded at the base. There are sharp teeth along the edge. The leaves are dull green with slightly sunken veins above. They are paler and with some hairs near the veins underneath. The flowers are white and about 25 mm across. They are on slender greenish-brown stalks. They occur in small flat topped clusters. The fruit are 20-25 mm long. They are orange or red and the surface is slightly powdery. The flesh can be sweet or sour. There are several named cultivated varieties.
There are about 200 Prunus species.
Where it is found
Temperate. It grows in deciduous woodlands. It is often along the banks of rivers and lakes. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Canada, East Africa, Haiti, Madagascar, Mexico, North America, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are usually made into jams and jellies. They can also be eaten fresh or dried. They can be stewed or made into sauces. They can be dried and stored. The seed kernels can be eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
It can spread by root sprouts. It can also be grown by seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
American plum, American wild plum, Goose plum, Hog plum