Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia): Early Blooming Native

Chickasaw plum is a thicket-forming shrub or small tree native to the central and southeastern US, valued for its early spring flowers and edible fruit.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This deciduous plant grows 12–20 feet tall, forming dense thickets via root suckers. Leaves are narrow, lanceolate. In early spring, before leaves, it is covered in fragrant white flowers. Fruit is a small, red to yellow plum, tart but edible, ripening in early summer.

Cultivation and Uses

Chickasaw plum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Used in native plantings, wildlife habitat, and for fruit (jams, jellies). The thickets provide excellent cover for birds.

Note

It is a host plant for several butterfly species.