Wild Plum (also known as American Plum, Hedge Plum)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Magnoliophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: P. americana · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Prunus americana (High confidence)
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical with an acuminate (pointed) tip
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long; standard for this species which typically ranges from 2-4 inches
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed), occasionally doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem
Rarity
Common; widely distributed across the United States and Canada
Color & Pattern
Deep green upper surface with a slightly paler underside; prominent midrib; no variegation; turns yellow to red in autumn
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with veins curving toward the leaf tip
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly wrinkled on the top surface, somewhat leathery texture
Description
A small, deciduous tree or large shrub that often forms thickets via root suckers. It produces showy, white, fragrant flowers in early spring followed by edible red or yellow drupes (plums). The bark is dark and scaly on older specimens.
Key Features
Ovate shape, sharply serrated margins, alternate arrangement, and the tendency of the host plant to have thorny branch spurs
Habitat
Thickets, forest edges, stream banks, and pastures; prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to North America, ranging from Saskatchewan and Maine south to Florida and west to New Mexico
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The leaf shows some minor chlorotic mottling (yellowing) which may indicate early nutrient stress or typical seasonal aging
Interesting Facts
The American Plum was a staple food for Native American tribes and early settlers; it is one of the hardiest plum species, able to withstand extreme cold
Medicinal & Uses
Used primarily for jams, jellies, and preserves. Historically, various parts were used by indigenous peoples for treating skin ailments. Roots provide a red dye
Ecological Role
Provides excellent nesting cover for birds and is a critical early-season nectar source for pollinators; fruit is consumed by numerous mammal species
Similar Species
Prunus nigra (Canada Plum) which has glandular teeth, and Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum) which has narrower, folded leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for dense, twiggy shrub thickets in late summer for the fruit; leaf identification is easiest when compared against the dark, flaky bark and white spring blossoms
Toxicity Warning
Fruits are edible when ripe, but the seeds (pits), twigs, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides and are Moderately Toxic if ingested