Summary: Prunus americana (American plum) is a plant in the Rosaceae family. Verdica documents 0 traditional uses, 0 phytochemical compounds, and 0 herb-drug interactions for this species.
American Plum (P. americana) is a small to medium-sized tree. The fruit has succulent and juicy flesh, though it is somewhat acidic with tough skin. The best forms are pulpy and pleasant tasting. The fruit is cooked or dried for later use. The genus Prunus includes deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with showy spring flowers and good autumn leaf colour; some have attractive ornamental bark. Prunus includes several species developed for fruit and nut production, such as apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, almonds, and plums. Other species are useful in food forests for their seed and fruit. Most edible fruit from this genus is eaten raw, cooked or dried for later use. Seeds are edible, but if they are bitter, eat them in strict moderation. Several Prunus species will succeed in light shade but fruit better in a sunny position. The seeds of all members of this genus could be used for oil extraction. The extracted oil is semi-drying. Consume in small quantities if it tastes strongly of bitter almonds. Most genus members are shallow-rooted, forming a plate near the soil surface, and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.
| Sunlight | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Watering | Regular — 1-2 inches per week during growing season |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5) |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA 3-9 |
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