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Prunus mexicana (Plum, Mexican)
Blooms appear in spring before leaves.

Plum, Mexican

Prunus mexicana

Discontinued

Texas native tree ideal as a full sun specimen in the landscape, or as an understory for shaded areas. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, and is highly drought tolerant once established. Grows primarily as a single truck tree, allowing landscaping underneath with perennials or annual color.

Copious amounts of small white blooms cover the tree in the early spring, persisting for a couple weeks before foliage begins to emerge. The leaves are light green, up to five inches long and are folded over in such a way you think the tree is always in need of water. Plums start developing after the flowers drop, turning yellow-green to purple as they ripen into the fall. Although they are edible, the plums are often used to make jellies or jams. In colder climates, the leaves will turn shades of orange, yellow, and red before falling.

Young trees have a smooth, gray bark. As it grows, it turns darker in color, begins to peel off in patches, turning deep and furrowed in older age. Mexican plum is extremelly low maintenace, demanding very little attention for giving back such a gorgeous spring display. 

Ornamental Tree
Shade Tree

Flower Color:

White

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Height

15-30 Feet

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Spread

15-20 Feet


USDA Hardiness Zone 6a

Characteristics & Attributes

Deer Tolerance
Medium
Exposure
Full Sun to Part Shade
Habit
Deciduous
Water Needs
Low
Toxic to Pets
Seeds