Chickasaw Plum-Prunus Angustifolia (5Gal)

The Chickasha Sand Plum is a fruit-bearing tree known for its deliciously sweet and tangy plums. It’s native to the southern United States and is prized for its flavorful fruits and beautiful blossoms.

Typical Uses

The Chickasaw sand plum (Prunus angustifolia) is valued for wildlife habitat, erosion control, and human use. Its dense thickets provide cover for birds and small mammals, while its tart, edible fruits are used in jellies, jams, and wines. It stabilizes sandy soils, making it ideal for restoration projects. Additionally, its fragrant spring flowers support pollinators, and it serves as an ornamental shrub.

Establishment and Care Instructions

• Location: Choose a well-draining site with full sun to partial shade. Tolerates sandy or loamy soils but thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained conditions.
• Planting: Plant bare-root or container-grown saplings in early spring or fall. Space 6–12 feet apart for natural thickets or hedge formation.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Can be pruned to maintain shape or control spreading.
• Fertilization: Generally not required, but a light application of balanced fertilizer (slow release) in early spring can boost growth.
• Pests and diseases: Resistant to most pests; watch for tent caterpillars, leaf spots, or fungal issues in humid conditions. Not deer resistant, when planting immature seedlings keep in a fences area.

Special Features and Usage

Spring Display: In early to mid-spring, Chickasaw sand plum bursts into bloom with clusters of fragrant, white, five-petaled flowers, creating a striking visual display. Flowers densely cover the branches before leaves emerge, giving the plant a bright, cloud-like appearance.

Ornamental Landscape: Planted for its attractive spring flowers, fall foliage, and compact growth. It is ideal for property borders due to its dense growth. Spreads via root suckers, creating natural hedges or windbreaks.

Eco Friendly: Strong root system stabilizes sandy or erodible soils, making it ideal for land restoration. Thrives in dry, sandy soils with minimal water, reducing the need for irrigation. As a native species, it integrates well into local ecosystems, reducing competition with invasive species and supporting regional biodiversity

Culinary: Small, tart plums are rich in vitamin C and can be used for various culinary purposes. Such as jams, jellies, preserves, syrups, and homemade wines.

Wildlife Habitat: Fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Additionally, provides food for birds, deer, and other wildlife; its thickets offer excellent nesting and shelter.