Beach Plum

(Prunus maritima)

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Prunus maritima, commonly known as Beach Plum, is a deciduous shrub native to coastal sand dunes and beachfronts of the Northeastern United States. It is well-adapted to its native sandy, saline environment, often found in maritime shrublands and along the edges of coastal grasslands. In cultivation, it can reach heights of 4 meters (13 feet), displaying a dense, twiggy form. The flowers, which bloom in mid-May to June, are white, about 1–1.5 cm (3⁄8–5⁄8 in) in diameter, with prominent yellow anthers, and are quite showy, attracting pollinators. The edible fruit matures to a variety of colors, including red, yellow, blue, or nearly black, and is larger under cultivation, making it valuable for wildlife and human consumption.

Beach Plum is valued for its hardiness, salt tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for coastal restoration and erosion control projects. It is also used ornamentally in gardens for its attractive spring flowers and colorful fruit. The plant requires full sun for optimal fruiting and prefers well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and has a moderate growth rate. Beach Plum can spread by suckers, forming thickets, which can be managed by pruning. It is susceptible to fungal diseases such as black knot. The fruit is harvested for making jam and jelly, and the plant has historical significance in regional cuisine.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • 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, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Coastal sand dunes and beachfronts, maritime shrublands, and coastal grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Strandpflaume

Scientific Names: Prunus maritima , Prunus maritima var. maritima , Prunus pubescens , Prunus pygmaea , Prunus sphaerica , Prunus littoralis , Cerasus pygmaea , Prunus lancifolia , Prunus maritima f. flava , Prunus pubigera

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus maritima Marshall