Crop Profile: Building a Sustainable Nursery
Native Plums of North America
Small native plums can be found across much of North America, from the forests of New England to the plains of the Rockies and the deserts of the Southwest, these wild fruit trees offer more than seasonal beauty—they offer a window into North America's agricultural history and growing potential for the future.
Prunus americana, the American wild plum, is the most widespread species, growing from New England to the Rocky Mountains.
While taxonomists still debate the number of native plum species in the U.S., the Flora of North America recognizes thirteen distinct species.
Of these, nine are found predominantly in the central U.S., west of the Mississippi River, making the heart of North America an important area for plum cultivation.
Native Plum Species
Here’s a closer look at some of the prominent native plum species:
Prunus Americana (American Wild Plum): A highly adaptable and hardy species, it thrives in various climates, producing small, tart fruits.
Prunus Mexicana (Mexican Plum): Found primarily in the southern U.S., the Mexican plum is valued for its smooth, sweet fruits.
Prunus Hortulana (Hog Plum): This species, found across parts of the Southeast, is known for its tart fruit, which makes it perfect for preserves.
Prunus Angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum): With its origins in the southeastern U.S., the Chickasaw plum is cherished for its sweet fruit and easy cultivation.
Prunus Alleghaniensis (Allegheny Plum): Native to the Appalachian region, it’s a less common but prized variety for its resilience and fruit flavor.
Prunus Maritima (Beach Plum): Typically found along coastal areas (not native to my region), it’s valued for its small, sweet plums, often used in jams and jellies.
The Story Behind Native Plums
As someone who deeply appreciates the history and lifestyle of Native American tribes, particularly those of the eastern woodlands, I find the story of native plums fascinating.
Before European contact, indigenous peoples relied on native fruits like American persimmon, pawpaw, and plums for sustenance. These fruits nourished the body and held a cultural, sometimes even spiritual, significance.
What’s especially compelling is the way these plants were utilized and cultivated. Many species of native plums, such as the Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw plum), were actively spread by Native Americans, who recognized the importance of this food source.
They would harvest the fruit, dry it for use in the winter, and even intentionally plant plum groves. Cultivation wasn’t just practical—it was a deep part of their relationship with the land.
Historian George Catlin’s 1840s travel writings offer a vivid image of the wild plum trees cultivated by the Choctaw people in southern Oklahoma.
He described vast acres of plums, trees so laden with fruit that the branches were weighed down to the ground.
These weren’t random wild plants—they were the result of careful tending, demonstrating the foresight and ecological knowledge of the Choctaws.
Interestingly, the first mention of plums in North America dates back to the 1520s, when Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano excitedly reported finding native plums in what would later become the U.S. (Wroth, 1524).
This early interaction with native fruits highlights their integral role in the early landscape of North America.
Plant Propagation & Notes
As I look forward to the 2025 season, my journey with these native plums has just begun.
One of the challenges with planting native plums is their seed propagation.
These seeds, which are of unknown stock, are notorious for a period of double dormancy, meaning they can require two periods of cold treatment before they can successfully germinate.
I’ve sourced about 80 seeds this year from Akiva Silver and Twisted Tree Farm, and I plan to plant them in a location where they can undergo a full two-year cold unbothered.
This will ensure that any seeds that are going to germinate will have the proper conditions to do so.
These native plums, while sometimes tricky to start, offer great potential.
I’m particularly intrigued by the possibilities of incorporating improved genetics by including seeds of varieties like Dunbar.
Economics of Native Plums
Though it's difficult to pinpoint a robust economic model for these trees, there are still significant benefits to growing them.
For one, native plums are essential for wildlife. As Dr. Douglas Tallamy, a well-known ecologist, explains, native Prunus species are crucial for supporting local caterpillars and birds—an ecological service that cannot be overstated.
The Prunus genus ranks as one of his top five most important native plant groups, right behind native oaks, which are the #1 ecological choice.
By planting these trees, you’re supporting hundreds of species of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), making them an invaluable part of any homestead or property.
While I don’t have much data on their commercial viability beyond niche markets, I believe native plums offer an excellent redundancy to the food supply on your property.
Even if you don’t expect them to be a large-scale economic crop, they provide beauty, habitat for wildlife, and an additional food source that could be invaluable in times of need.
Recipes to Try with Native Plums
As with many wild fruits, native plums lend themselves well to preservation and cooking. Here are some recipes you can try to make the most of your harvest:
Dehydrated Plums: Dried plums (or prunes) are excellent for snacks or for adding to baked goods. If you don’t have a dehydrator, a low-heat oven can work just as well.
Roasted Cod with Soy Ginger Plum Salsa: This delightful combination of sweet, tangy plums with savory fish is a perfect example of how to make wild plums shine in a meal. Find the recipe here.
Venison Medallions with Plum Sauce: This is a perfect pairing for a wild game dinner, where the acidity of the plums balances the richness of the meat.
Wood Uses
Did you know that plum wood is also highly prized for its versatility? It's used for a variety of purposes, including:
Carving: Due to its fine, even grain, plum wood is perfect for intricate carving.
Musical Instruments: Some musical instruments, particularly wind instruments, are made from plum wood.
Knife Handles: The wood’s fine texture and durability make it a great material for knife handles.
Smoking: Plum wood is also used for smoking meats, especially poultry and pork, providing a mildly sweet, fruity flavor.
Though plum wood is more rare than cherry, its value in smaller, decorative items is undeniable.
Native plums may not be the most widely recognized or commercially farmed fruit, but their ecological value and versatility make them an important addition to any backyard or homestead.
Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters!
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Crop Profile Directory
If you’re enjoying this newsletter and want to learn more about the plants I will be growing and how to incorporate them, you’re in luck!
Below is a directory of the past three crop profiles. Feel free to browse and explore—happy reading! 👋
Thank you for being here with me on this journey of edible plants, sustainable practices, and the joys of nurturing local flora.
I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions! I’ll be back in your inbox next week! 👍🏼
Much love
Many blessings
Travis
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We planted what were probably American Plums on our homestead in Minnesota. They produced abundantly in short order. We found the ones picked off the ground were sweet enough to eat. We also preserved them. Thanks for the reminder, Travis. We now live in the Ozarks, and it looks like two of the varieties you mentioned would be good candidates for planting. I wrote them down.
How about wild apple and wild plum? Theoretically "escaped" cultivars, they are thorny and delicious. I've sprouted some wild apples, but want to expand into the pears.
I already harvest plums, mulberries, pawpae, and persmmons. As well as wild berries.
Looking to make a 3-acre garden out of perennial vegetables withe these. Permaculture.