Mexican Plum

Flowering Mexican plum, Prunus mexicana

Mexican plum is a small tree that reaches heights of up to 8 m (25 ft) ranging along the southern United States into Mexico. In early spring, fragrant white flowers bloom and in fall, dark red edible plums are produced on an orange-leaved tree. The bark is initially smooth and reddish brown, but later becomes rough with irregular ridges. The leaves have a serrated margin that can also be used to help with identification.

Bark of a mature Mexican plum tree.

When established, Mexican plum is drought-tolerant and can tolerate partial shade. Unlike other native plums, the Mexican plum does not form thickets and grows singly. The fruits are consumed by various mammals and birds alike, and the flowers attract birds and butterflies. Species such as the tiger swallowtail and cecropia moths also use Mexican plum as a host plant.