Prunus americana (American plum)

Prunus americana, commonly known as American plum, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in a wide range of habitats, from dry uplands to wetlands, and from open fields to forest edges. At maturity, the tree typically grows 15 to 25 feet in height and 10 to 15 feet in width, with a rounded to spreading shape. The crown becomes more irregular as the tree ages, and it develops a single or multiple trunks with a diameter of up to 8 inches.

In early spring, the American plum produces a profusion of white to pinkish-white flowers that are 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are typically clustered together in groups of two to five and have a pleasant fragrance. The flowers give way to small, yellow to red plums that are edible and have a sweet and slightly tart taste. The fruit is an important food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects.

The leaves of Prunus americana are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and a serrated margin. They range in size from 1.5 to 3.5 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall before dropping from the tree. The bark of young trees is smooth and reddish-brown, while mature trees have a darker, rougher bark with a distinctive pattern of vertical fissures. Overall, the American plum is an attractive and hardy tree that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions.