View Larger American Plum

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Hardiness Zones

    3 3 4 4b 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

    This native plum has a sprawling habit, which showcases the beautiful white flowers in spring and the unique pink plums in midsummer. The plants become scaly with age and are somewhat disease prone.

    Latin Name

    Prunus americana


    Family

    Rosaceae


    Also Known As

    Wild Plum


    Type of Plant

    Fruits Fruits
    Trees Trees

    Bloom Season

    March

    Seasons

    Spring Spring
    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 25'
    Max spread Max Spread: 25'

    Uses

  • Naturalize
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Drought
  • Dry Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Birds Birds

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern and Central North America


    History

    Washington wrote in his diary in March of 1786, "Hoed the ground behind the Garden again and planded therein, in three Rows 177 of the wild, or Cherokee plumb; (sent me by Mr. Geo. A Washington) 8 inches a part in the rows with 18 inch intervals."


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now
    Login
    Buy Tickets Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
    Estate Hours

    9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    iconDirections & Parking
    buy tickets online & save