American Plum

Prunus americana

This tree produces edible plums in midsummer. Although smaller and less juicy than cultivated plums, it is delicious fresh or made into jellies. Its thorns make it an ideal nesting site for songbirds.

This plant is a Climate Resiliency species. It is not a true native to Maine; however, we are on the edge of its native range in North America, and as the climate changes, this range is likely to shift. This plant still has excellent ecological value and may be a crucial species that our wildlife rely on in the future.

Photo courtesy of Arthur Haines