Wild Plum
Also called American wild plum, this very hardy tree is relatively long lived, about 30 to 40 years. It tends to form thickets. This is recommended for zones 3 through 8. It is often grown in the Middle and Lower South.
This native is found from Canada to Georgia and westward to Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Utah. It occurs along roadsides and fence rows. Initially fast growing, this rate slows down later.
This versatile tree is often used for windbreaks and shelterbelts. It can also serve as a specimen plant and as part of a reclamation project. The plant is also grown in large containers and as a bonsai.
Wild plum is also a good choice for planting along highways. This can also be planted near patios and decks because the roots aren’t aggressive and doesn’t damage pavement.
The tree is quite hardy and is a tough plant. It is small enough to grow under power lines.
Description of Wild Plum
Wild plum has a rounded, relatively dense crown. It can be 12 to 25 feet or so in height with a spread of 12 to 20 feet. The tree has branches close to the ground.
As the tree ages, some of the branches will die and drop off. The branches have two to three inch long thorns on the trunk. Wild plum tends to reseed.
Wild plum also has thorn-like spur branches. The dark green leaves are 3 to 4 inches long. These turn yellow in the fall.
The very free flowering tree blooms in the spring. The white blossoms are borne on one inch wide clusters. These emerge as the leaves appear.
The fruits typically ripen to red or yellow. They are covered with a bloom like that seen in cultivated plums. These are an inch in diameter.
One inch wide, the fruits can taste slightly sour. However, they are still used for making preserves and jams. Various kinds of wildlife also enjoy these fruits.
Growing Wild Plum
Wild plum is suitable for full sun and part shade. It does best in a sandy or loamy soil. The pH level can range from acid to alkaline. This adapts to moderately dry soils to moist sites.
The adaptable tree can withstand moderate drought once the plant is established. It is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can experience problems with tent caterpillars.
Wild plum can be trained as a single leader. The other option is to let it develop multiple trunks so it is more shrubby. The branches are generally resistant to breakage, so ice storms aren’t a problem for this species.
This native is found from Canada to Georgia and westward to Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Utah. It occurs along roadsides and fence rows. Initially fast growing, this rate slows down later.
This versatile tree is often used for windbreaks and shelterbelts. It can also serve as a specimen plant and as part of a reclamation project. The plant is also grown in large containers and as a bonsai.
Wild plum is also a good choice for planting along highways. This can also be planted near patios and decks because the roots aren’t aggressive and doesn’t damage pavement.
The tree is quite hardy and is a tough plant. It is small enough to grow under power lines.
Description of Wild Plum
Wild plum has a rounded, relatively dense crown. It can be 12 to 25 feet or so in height with a spread of 12 to 20 feet. The tree has branches close to the ground.
As the tree ages, some of the branches will die and drop off. The branches have two to three inch long thorns on the trunk. Wild plum tends to reseed.
Wild plum also has thorn-like spur branches. The dark green leaves are 3 to 4 inches long. These turn yellow in the fall.
The very free flowering tree blooms in the spring. The white blossoms are borne on one inch wide clusters. These emerge as the leaves appear.
The fruits typically ripen to red or yellow. They are covered with a bloom like that seen in cultivated plums. These are an inch in diameter.
One inch wide, the fruits can taste slightly sour. However, they are still used for making preserves and jams. Various kinds of wildlife also enjoy these fruits.
Growing Wild Plum
Wild plum is suitable for full sun and part shade. It does best in a sandy or loamy soil. The pH level can range from acid to alkaline. This adapts to moderately dry soils to moist sites.
The adaptable tree can withstand moderate drought once the plant is established. It is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can experience problems with tent caterpillars.
Wild plum can be trained as a single leader. The other option is to let it develop multiple trunks so it is more shrubby. The branches are generally resistant to breakage, so ice storms aren’t a problem for this species.
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