Prunus americana aka Goose Plum

Taxonomy

Prunus americana, also known as the American plum or wild plum, is a species of Prunus that is native to North America. It can be found in most cool to temperate states and grows in thickets at abandoned sites and disturbed soil areas. The tree is multi-stemmed, can grow 15-25 feet tall, and forms suckers freely, creating a large colony over time. The white, 5-petaled flowers appear in March just before the oblong, serrated leaves, which turn a brilliant red and gold in the fall. The fruit is small but full of flavor and is often planted by birds who flock to the fruits when they are in season. Many cultivated varieties have been derived from this species, and it forms an excellent stock upon which to graft domestic plum. Wild plum trees need no grafting to produce numerous delicious fruits and thrive on neglect. The American Plum is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light to thrive. It belongs to the Prunus genus and is native to North America.

Common names

Goose Plum, American Plum, American Red Plum

How to care for Goose Plum

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Goose Plum is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Goose Plum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Goose Plum requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your American Plum, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Goose Plum will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Goose Plum requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your American Plum is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Goose Plum is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Goose Plum is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Goose Plum’s native range is N. America - New York to Florida, extending westwards as far as the Rocky Mountains.


More info:
Wikipedia