Pollination Information for Native American Plum (Prunus americana)

Native American Plum is a self-fertile plant, which means that it can produce fruit without the need for cross-pollination from another plum tree. However, cross-pollination from another compatible plum tree can increase the fruit yield.

The flowers of Native American Plum attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their sweet fragrance and bright color. The flowers are usually white or pink and bloom in early spring, before the leaves start to grow.

Cross-pollination can occur between different varieties of plum trees, as long as their blooming times overlap and they are compatible. Compatible plum tree varieties for Native American Plum include the following:

• Redheart
• Methley
• Ozark Premier
• Superior
• Toka

It is recommended to plant more than one variety of plum tree in the same area to increase the chances of cross-pollination and improve fruit yield.

It is also important to ensure that pollinators are present in the area during flowering time. Providing habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators can help increase fruit yield and promote biodiversity in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions about Native American Plum

What is Native American Plum?

Native American Plum (Prunus americana) is a small, deciduous tree or shrub that is native to North America. It is also known as wild plum, red plum, or August plum.

What do Native American Plums look like?

The tree typically grows to a height of 20-40 feet and has a spread of 15-25 feet. The bark is reddish-brown and has a distinctive, flaky appearance. The leaves are oblong and sharply toothed, with a dark green color and a smooth texture. The flowers are small and white, and appear in clusters in early spring. The fruit is a round, red or yellow plum that ripens in late summer or early fall.

What are the benefits of Native American Plum?

The fruit of the Native American Plum is edible and has a tangy, sweet flavor. It can be eaten raw or used to make preserves, jams, and jellies. The tree is also important for wildlife, as the fruit is a source of food for birds and mammals.

How do I plant and care for Native American Plum?

The tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types but does best in slightly acidic soil. The tree should be watered regularly during the first year after planting, and then only as needed. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain the shape and health of the tree.

Is Native American Plum invasive?

No, Native American Plum is not considered an invasive species. It is native to North America and is an important part of the ecosystem.

Are there any pests or diseases that affect Native American Plum?

Yes, the tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including plum curculio, black knot, and brown rot. Appropriate control measures should be taken to prevent or treat these issues.

Planting Native American Plum

Native American Plum trees grow best in areas with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Here are the steps to successfully plant Native American Plum trees:

1. Choose a planting site in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the Native American Plum tree's root ball and of similar depth.
3. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage roots to grow and spread out.
4. Place the tree into the hole, spreading out the roots. The 'graft union' (the spot where the tree was grafted onto the rootstock) should be a few inches above ground level.
5. Backfill the hole with the soil and tamp it down to remove air pockets.
6. Water the tree thoroughly and ensure it is well-watered for the first few months as it establishes.

Care for Native American Plum

Here are some important considerations for caring for a Native American Plum tree:

1. Water the tree regularly during the first few years of growth. Once the tree becomes established, it will be able to tolerate periods of drought.
2. Ensure that the tree receives adequate nutrients by fertilizing it with an all-purpose fertilizer each spring.
3. Prune the tree during the dormant season (winter), taking care to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Prune little and often rather than in large amounts.
4. Protect the tree from pests and diseases by monitoring the tree regularly and treating any issues as soon as they are detected.
5. If desired, you can also train the tree to a central-leader or open-center shape to encourage a specific growth habit.