The Native American Plum tree, Prunus americana, is also known as the Native Plum, Hedge Plum, Sloe or Wild Plum. Native American Plum trees are small, deciduous, single trunk trees or a multi-stemmed shrub which occurs in rocky or sandy soils in woodlands, pastures, abandoned farms, streams and hedgerows. This deciduous tree typically grows to 15-25' tall with a broad, spreading crown. As a shrub, it suckers freely and can form large colonies. The 2 to 5 inch white flowers appear in early spring before the foliage appears. Flowers are followed by edible, round, red plums with bright yellow pulp which ripen in early summer.
This species is usually grown for ornamental value and not for fruit production, however. Although the plums can be eaten raw, the quality is somewhat poor. The fruits are perhaps better used for preserves and jellies. The leaves turn yellow to red in autumn for great fall color. Branches and twigs are an attractive dark reddish-brown. Wildlife are attracted to the sweet fruits.