Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata) is a large shrub to small tree that normally blooms in March. When it's its crown is covered in white flowers, it attracts a variety of pollinators, especially bees. The bloom time only lasts a month or so, then it bears an abundance of purple fruits that provide food for birds and other wildlife in summer and fall. The plums are also edible to humans, and is best used to make jam or jelly because it has a slightly bitter taste. It is recommended that seeds be removed from the fruits before consuming because they contain cyanogenic compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. This tree tolerates full sun to partial shade with moist to dry sandy soil.
Soil: Dry to moist, well-drained, acidic or alkaline clay, sandy or loamy soils
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Growth habit: 10–20’ tall; crown with equal spread
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