This tough-but-beautiful low-growing shrub is a delightful, vibrant plant that's surprisingly adaptable. Native to the sand dunes of the east coast, beach plum grows 3-8 feet tall and spreads by suckering in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates poor soils, salt, cold climates, and drought when established. Its rounded habit displays the show-stopping early-spring blossoms to full effect, and the ensuing purplish-blue fruits ripen in fall. After harvesting the small plums for exceptional jams and jellies, enjoy the riotous red and orange colors of the autumn foliage. Though once prolific in eastern coastal areas, wild patches are now hard to find due to coastal land development. Commercial growers have taken advantage of the plant’s adaptability and extended its range as far west as the Great Plains states.
 
The prunus genus is highly valuable for wildlife. It hosts nearly 400 Lepidoptera species, and the flowers are an early-nectar source for native bees and other pollinators. The fruits are enjoyed by birds and small animals. For best fruit production, it’s recommended to plant at least two shrubs for cross-pollination. Light annual pruning in late winter or early spring will help promote consistent crops. To improve air circulation and provide balanced sunlight, prune for a central leader and open center. Remove dead or damaged branches.
 
Beach plum's natural habitat is in sand dunes along the east coast, and it’s sometimes found further inland along roads. It can be used in multiple settings, such as borders of property lines and gardens, in edible gardens or mixed borders, in hedgerows, and as a specimen plant.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 3-8’ tall and wide. Spreads by suckering and develops a tap root in coarser soils.
 
Requires full sun.
 
Prefers sandy or loamy soil with slight acidity, but adapts to clay and other soils with good drainage.
 
Prior to emergence of leaves, fragrant white flowers bloom in small clusters of two to three along the stems May through June. The flowers have five white petals; once pollinated, they develop a delicate pinkish hue. The purple fruit is ½-1” in diameter and ripens August-September.
 
Finely toothed, egg-shaped, dark green leaves are 1-2 ¾” long and have velvety undersides. Fall color is vibrant red or orange.
 
Multi-stemmed trunk has gnarled branches. Young bark is smooth and reddish brown with bands of horizontal lenticels. The bark darkens and becomes rough with age.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 381 species of Lepidoptera species, including hairstreak butterflies and laurel sphinx, and large lace-border moths.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The fruits, which can be eaten raw, vary from sour to sweet, while the skin tends to be astringent. When cooked with sugar, the plums make delicious jams and jellies. The fruits are also used to make wine. Early settlers relied on the fruits.