Wild — Plum

Showy, fragrant white flowers with five petals appear in early spring (April–May) before leaves arrive.

Can be confused with Canada plum or Beach plum, but P. americana has distinct, sharp-toothed leaves and very thorny twigs. 2. Foraging & Harvesting

This guide covers the identification, foraging, and utilization of the ( Prunus americana ), a versatile native fruit often found in thickets across North America. 1. Identification Guide (Prunus americana) wild plum

Small (1-inch diameter) drupes, turning from green to yellow, red, or purple, often with a pale "bloom" that rubs off.

Dark brown to gray, becoming scaly with horizontal, raised, light-colored pores (lenticels) on younger branches. Showy, fragrant white flowers with five petals appear

Sunny, moist areas like forest edges, stream banks, and abandoned pastures.

Late summer to early fall (mid-August to September). bushy tree or shrub

Small, bushy tree or shrub, usually 6–20 feet tall, often forming dense, thorny clonal thickets.