Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) is a native North American shrub or small tree valued for its fragrant flowers, edible fruit, and wildlife benefits. Here's an overview:
🌿 Overview
Scientific Name: Prunus angustifolia
Common Name: Chickasaw plum
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Native Range: Southeastern and south-central United States
🌸 Description
Height: 4–20 feet tall
Form: Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a rounded or irregular crown
Leaves: Narrow (hence "angustifolia"), 1.5–3 inches long, glossy green, finely serrated
Flowers: Small, white, 5-petaled, fragrant; appear in early spring before leaves
Fruit: Red to yellow drupe, ½–¾ inch wide, sweet-tart flavor when ripe
🌱 Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Sandy or well-drained soils; drought-tolerant once established
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9
Spread: Often forms thickets by suckering
🐦 Wildlife & Uses
Fruit: Eaten by birds, deer, raccoons, foxes, and humans
Flowers: Early nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies
Habitat: Provides cover for small animals and nesting sites for birds
Human Uses: Jams, jellies, preserves; historically used by Native Americans
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Benefits in the Landscape
Erosion control on slopes
Wildlife habitat in naturalized or woodland-edge plantings
Spring ornamental value with profuse white blooms
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