Description

Windbreaks: Plant American plum in the central or outside rows where adequate water is available. It may also be planted in single-row windbreaks.

Wildlife: American plum is highly important as wildlife cover and food. The thorny, suckering growth, when protected, forms a thicket valuable for bird nesting, loafing, and roosting, and animal loafing and bedding. Twigs and foliage provide a highly preferred browse for whitetail and mule deer.

Recreation and Beautification: The thorny growth and suckering characteristics should be considered before planting this species near a recreation area. It can be used for screening and natural barriers. The fruit is used widely for making jams and jellies.

Ethnobotanic: American plum was and still is used as a source of food and medicine by Native Americans in the Midwest and West.

Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

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