Prunus mexicana
Mexican plum
South-central United States to northeastern Mexico
Overview
Prunus mexicana is a small deciduous tree growing 15-35 ft (4.5-11 m) tall with a trunk diameter of 6-10 in (15-25 cm) and a rounded, open crown spreading 15-25 ft (4.5-7.5 m). Unlike many native plums that form suckering thickets, it typically grows as a single-trunked tree. The dark gray bark develops shallow fissures and curling, exfoliating scales with age. Ovate leaves measure 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long with doubly serrate margins and a slightly rough upper surface, turning yellow to orange before dropping in autumn. White five-petaled flowers about 0.75 in (2 cm) across open in early spring before the leaves, borne in clusters along bare branches. The fruit is a rounded drupe 0.75-1.25 in (2-3 cm) wide, ripening from green to purple-red with a waxy bloom in late summer; the flesh is edible and surrounds a single hard stone. Prunus mexicana grows in USDA zones 6 to 8 and tolerates clay and limestone-derived soils. It is susceptible to plum curculio, black knot, and bacterial leaf spot, and dropped fruit accumulates beneath the canopy in late summer.
Native Range
Prunus mexicana is native to central North America, from the south-central United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa, south into northeastern Mexico. It grows along woodland edges, prairies, stream banks, and limestone slopes.Suggested Uses
Used as a small specimen or understory tree in native and wildlife gardens, spaced 15-20 ft (4.5-6 m) apart. The early flowers support native bees, and the fruit feeds birds and mammals.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 35'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open in early spring, typically February to April depending on latitude, before leaf-out. The white blossoms appear in clusters along bare branches and last about 1-2 weeks. Bloom timing precedes most other native plums across its range.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green, turning yellow to orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Prunus mexicana grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of well-drained soils, including clay and limestone-derived soils with pH from 6.0 to 8.0. Established trees withstand drought, though periodic deep watering during extended dry spells supports fruit development. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 8. The species is susceptible to common stone-fruit problems including plum curculio, black knot, and bacterial leaf spot. Fallen fruit accumulates beneath the canopy in late summer.Pruning
Prune in late winter while dormant to remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Light shaping after flowering maintains a single-trunk form and reduces basal suckering. Heavy cuts stimulate vigorous watersprout regrowth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter