Prunus mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican plum,[1] is a North American species of plum tree that can be found in the central United States and Northern Mexico.
Prunus mexicana has a single trunk and reaches a height of 4.6–11.6 metres (15–38 ft). It has dark green, simple ovate leaves, fragrant white or pale pink flowers, and dark gray bark banded with horizontal lenticels.[3] Early in the spring it is covered with clouds of white fragrant flowers that are up to an inch wide. The dark red or purple fruit ripens late in the fall.[4][5]
Prunus mexicana is very similar to Prunus americana, and they intergrade along a broad contact zone centered around Arkansas and Missouri. These intermediate individuals may be impossible to assign to a specific species.[6]
Prunus mexicana is included in the section Prunocerasus.[7]
The native range of the species stretches from South Dakota east to Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, and Georgia, and south to the Mexican states of Coahuila and San Luis Potosí.[1][8]
It is usually found on woodland edges or in open fields. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil pH and is drought-tolerant. The trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 9.[3]
The fruit is eaten fresh by both animals.[9]
The fruit is made into preserves.[9]
Flowers of Prunus mexicana
Prunus mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican plum, is a North American species of plum tree that can be found in the central United States and Northern Mexico.
