Rosaceae : Prunus americana

Files

Family Name

Rosaceae

Common Name

Wild plum

Native American Name

Dakota: kantahu can; Lakota: kȟáŋta

Description

Prunus americana is a perennial, deciduous shrub or small tree, 2-6 m tall, usually forming thickets from root-suckers. There are generally many stems per plant, the older stems bark becomes dark gray and scaly, the younger stems are reddish brown to gray with a flaking waxy cuticle, typically smooth but occasionally with persistent hairs. The branches spread widely, with older lateral twigs developing into spines up to 7 cm long. the simple, alternate leaves have petioles 8-20 mm long, often with glands near the base of the blade and stipules 5-14 mm long. The leaf blade is ovate to lanceolate-ovate, 6-10 cm long, sharply pointed, the margins with teeth or doubled teeth, green and smooth above and with hairs on the lower side. The inflorescence consists of axillary and terminal clusters o 2-5 flowers on smooth pedicels 7-20 mm long, and usually appearing before the leaves and remaining as the leaves develop. The flowers have a conical hypanthium ~3 mm long, the 5 green, reflexed sepals are 3-4 mm long with hairs on the upper side. The 5 oblong ovate white petals are constricted (clawed)8-12 mm long. there are 20-30 stamens inserted on the edge of the hypanthium in several rows, with a single 2-carpeled pistil, the style 12-15 mm long with a capitate stigma. The fruit is a fleshy drupe, yellow to reddish-purple, 2-3 cm long and 2-2.5 cm in diameter, often having a waxy coating. Wild plums bloom in April and May and ripen in August and September. They are common in woodlands, thickets, pastures, along streams and roadsides throughout South Dakota.

Additional Notes

Wild plums provide an early spring profusion of flowers that attracts many types of native bees, and the leaves turn yellow and red in the fall. Their fruits have a tart, tough skin and the flesh is juicy and sweet. They make excellent jellies, preserves, and baked goods. They are easily grown and will spread over large areas if not maintained. The spiny branches make the fruit hard to pick if the stands become too large.

Horticulture Notes

Seed Collection: Gather plums in late August or early September and remove the flesh from the seeds.

Germination: Fall sowing is the easiest way to break dormancy.

Vegetative Propagation: Division of roots or suckers.

Soils: Well drained rich loams.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Water: Moist to Moderate.