Species Canada plum

Canada plum

Prunus nigra

The Canada plum (Prunus nigra) is a native North American fruiting tree that grows to around 30 feet tall in ideal conditions. Its ovate, glossy green leaves emerge in the spring, followed by white flowers and ripening fruits in the summer. Fruits are purple-black, having a tart and juicy flesh that makes for excellent jam, preserves, wine, and tarts. As well as being attractive, the Canada plum is also extremely hardy and tolerant of a variety of climates, requiring little care or maintenance. As a result, it is widely cultivated in parks and gardens and continues to be an important source of sustenance and nutrition in rural areas.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Clay

Fruits:

red,yellow,orange Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Canada plum plants prefer moist soil, so keeping the soil lightly moist is key to their health. Water your Canada plum trees once a week during the growing season and keep the soil evenly moist ensuring that the top 4 inches of the soil is kept moderately moist. During the fruit-ripening period in summer, water more frequently to prevent fruit from cracking and splitting. In winter, water less as the tree goes dormant.

sunlight

Canada plum is a deciduous tree that thrives best in full sunlight. Its leaves are dark green and its fruits are dark purple when ripe. As far as sunlight requirements go, Canada plum trees should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, ideally during the mornings between 8 am and 12 pm. However, they can tolerate part shade or filtered sunlight during the afternoon. It is best to avoid placing the tree in a fully shaded area as it will not receive enough sunlight to fully thrive.

pruning

Canada plums (Prunus nigra) should be pruned in late spring to early summer, after the main flush of blooming or fruiting. These plants have a relatively slow growth habit, and should only be pruned to shape or reduce the size of the tree. Pruning should focus on young, fast-growing shoots, removing only about 20-30 percent of the foliage each year. When pruning, use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors, and eliminate branches that are diseased, dead, broken, or growing inwardly towards the center of the tree.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus nigra (Canada plum) typically begins in late August and continues through September.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus nigra (Canada plum) typically begins in late August and continues through September.