Prunus umbellata

hog plum, flatwoods plum, black sloe
Family

Rosaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Attachment

petiolate

Leaf Margin

crenate, doubly serrate, serrate

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

oblong, elliptic, obovate

Growth Form

shrub, tree

Flower Color

white

Flower Month

March, April, June, July, August, September

Height (meters)

6.0

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

perennial


Field Characters

Leaves thin at maturity, pubescent along the lower veins. Calyx lobes without glands, sometimes hairy without. Many slender twigs; twigs reddish or gray or reddish brown; few thorns or stubby side twigs. Petiole pubescent with 2 black glands. Flowers have no odor, 2-4 in cluster. Leaves often with 2 dark glands at base and finely serrate.

Animal Use

Some use by large and small mammals and moderate use by birds. Also a special value to native bees.

Habitat

Prairie, plains, meadows, pastures, savannas, and fence rows. Common in upland, usually sandy or rocky upland woods, thickets and river banks.

Plant Uses

The wild plums of this species are gathered for making jellies and jams.