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 nativelow water10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Prunus americana
- Variety / cultivar
- (species)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Suckering native plum; benefits from deep watering first 2 seasons. Sucker management may be needed in small yards.
Frequently asked questions
- Is American plum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. American plum is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does American plum get?
- It matures to about 10–15 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide.
- How much water does American plum need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is American plum safe for dogs?
- No — American plum is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
