Chickasaw Plum

(Prunus angustifolia)

Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus angustifolia, commonly known as Chickasaw Plum, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, savannas, and prairies in the Southeastern and Central USA. It typically grows 3.7 to 6.1 meters (12 to 20 feet) tall and 4.6 to 6.1 meters (15 to 20 feet) wide, often forming thickets or colonies. The plant has an irregular, "twiggy" form with scaly, dark bark and reddish branches that bear thorn-like side shoots. From late winter to early spring (February to May), Chickasaw Plum is adorned with small, showy white flowers, each 8–10 millimeters wide, followed by tart, cherry-like red plums that ripen to a sweet flavor in late summer.

Chickasaw Plum is valued for its early spring blossoms, wildlife-friendly fruit, and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in ornamental horticulture, as well as for wildlife plantings and erosion control due to its suckering habit. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers dry, sandy, or well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from moderate watering during prolonged dry spells. Chickasaw Plum can be susceptible to pests like plum curculio and diseases such as black knot, but these are generally not severe problems. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness, but it can spread through suckering if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 4-10 feet
Width: 4-20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, savannas, and prairies in the Southeastern and Central USA

Other Names

Common Names: Florida Sand Plum, Sand Plum, Sandhill Plum, Mountain Cherry Tree, Cherokee Plum, Chicasapflaume, Pessego-Amarelo, Chickasawplommon

Scientific Names: , Prunus angustifolia, Prunus angustifolia var. angustifolia, Prunus chicasa, Prunus rugosa, Prunus stenophylla, Cerasus chicasa, Prunus angustifolia var. varians, Prunus angustifolia subsp. varians,

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus angustifolia Marshall