American Plum
Prunus americana Marsh.
Genus: Prunus
Subgenus: Prunophora
French Name: Prunier d'Amérique

General Information
Scientific Name: Prunus americana
Common Name(s): American Plum, Wild Plum

Native Range
Found in central North America.
In Canada, it occurs in southern Ontario, southern Manitoba, and southeastern Saskatchewan.
Frequently planted as an ornamental tree and for its edible fruit beyond its natural range.
Hardiness Zones: CA3, NA3

Comparison with Canada Plum: Similar in many characteristics but differs in leaf shape, fruit texture, and bark color.

Size & Growth
Typical Height: Small tree or large shrub, growing up to 9 meters tall.
Growth Form: Can grow as a single-stemmed small tree or a multi-stemmed shrub.
Often forms thickets due to suckering.

Leaf Characteristics
Leaf Type: Deciduous, alternate, simple.
Shape: Ovate, typically widest slightly below the middle, 6-10 cm long.
Base: Fully rounded or slightly tapering toward the stalk.
Surface: Hairless or slightly hairy.
Double- or single-toothed with sharp, non-glandular teeth (unlike Canada Plum, which has gland-tipped teeth).

Buds
Size: 3-8 mm long.
Color: Grayish.
Shape: Pointed.
Scales: Two-toned, pale grayish-brown.

Twigs
Color: Grayish- to reddish-brown.
Texture: Slender and often thorny.
Taste: Twigs have a distinct bitter almond flavor when chewed.

Flowers
Color: White.
Size: About 25 mm across.
Structure: Small clusters (umbels) on slender greenish-brown stalks.
Bloom Time: Opens as the leaves expand (not before, unlike Canada Plum).

Fruits
Size: About 20-25 mm long.
Shape: Round to slightly elongated.
Color: Orange to reddish.
Surface: Slightly powdery (unlike Canada Plum, which has a thicker, non-powdery skin).
Taste: Sweet or sour, depending on the tree.

Bark
Young Trees: Reddish-brown.
Mature Trees: Dark gray to nearly black.

Reproduction & Ecology
Vegetative Reproduction: Forms dense thickets by root suckers.
Wildlife Value: Fruits provide food for birds and mammals.
Thickets offer excellent cover for wildlife.

Quick Recognition
Key Features: Thorny twigs with bitter almond flavor.
Leaves with sharp, non-glandular teeth.
White flowers opening as leaves expand.
Fruits orange or reddish, slightly powdery.