As you drive through the countryside this week you have probably noticed a small tree blooming in an elegant white. This is American Plum (Prunus americana) which graces the country from late April to mid-May with its white flowers. It is always amazing how many of these plum trees are around and how much we under appreciate this fantastic bird feeder.
American Plum is very widespread. It is found in almost every state east of the Rockies and in almost every county in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. It attains a hight of 15 feet and a width of 15 feet when found alone or when planted as a speciman tree. In the landscape it is hard to find a native tree or shrub that beats its versatality. It is showy, fragrant, provides great value to wildlife and tolerates a great range of growing conditions. Unfortunatly, it is hard to find in the nursery trade in its native form.
If you can beat the birds to its fruit you will enjoy a moderately tasting, but sometimes sour, plum. With all of the glamourous options available at the supermarket now, this plum is usually reserved for canning and for use in jams and jellies. Because of its high palatability by birds and mammals it is found along fencerows and roadsides everywhere, sometimes forming huge thickets that will take up a quarter acre in size if the surrounding land is not managed. Our state conservation districts often sell this tree for windbreaks and hedgerows.
As you view this small tree this week let it remind us of the true beauty that our native flora can possess.
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