Bigtree Plum
Prunus mexicana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bigtree Plum is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, IA, IL and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mexican plum is a small native tree that produces fragrant white flowers in spring before the leaves emerge. It develops into a rounded canopy and provides good shade for smaller spaces while supporting local ecosystems.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bigtree Plum is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. Birds enjoy the small plums that develop in summer, and the tree provides nesting sites and shelter.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bigtree Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.