MEXICAN PLUM
Prunus mexicana
(PROO-nus meks-sih-KAY-nuh)
Big Tree Plum, Inch Plum
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Description | This small, native tree is an excellent four-seasonal ornamental |
| Plant habit | Small to medium sized tree |
| Landscape use | Plant as a specimen or in a naturalized border or grove |
| Average mature size | 20-25’ tall x 15-20’ wide |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast Difficult to transplant from the wild; purchase a nursery-grown specimen |
| Sun exposure |
Sun to part sun/shade Prefers dappled, understory light conditions |
| Soil requirements | Tolerates most soil conditions |
| Water requirements | Tolerates any well-drained soil; relatively drought tolerant |
| Heat tolerance | Moderate |
| Foliage |
Deciduous, dark green leaves Yellow-orange fall color |
| Flowers |
Small, 1” wide, white flowers last seven to 10 days Fragrant and attractive to butterflies |
| Blooming period | Spring |
| Fruit characteristics |
Red or purple drupes develop in summer, tart tasting Attractive to birds and wildlife (raccoons, ringtails, opossums and foxes) |
| Bark | Exfoliating; provides winter interest |
| Pests and disease | Relatively free of pests and blight |
| Other |
Does not typically produce suckers Thorns on newer branches can be a nuisance Hog Plum (P. regularas) is more adapted to alkaline soils Native Americans and early settlers harvested the fruit for winter made plum jelly and preserves. |
“This is the star of our native plums. Our smaller plums form thickets, but Mexican plum is wellbehaved
- a tree to enjoy and treasure for years.”
- Sally and Andy Wasowski, Native Texas Plants, Landscaping Region by Region.
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