Bigtree Plum
Prunus mexicana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Prunus mexicana is a native plum tree found throughout the central and southern United States, blooming with white flowers in May and June. This deciduous tree attracts bees and beetles while providing fruit for wildlife.
Bigtree Plum is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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.
Growing Bigtree Plum
Grow Bigtree Plum in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Prunus mexicana naturally grow?
- Prunus mexicana is native to the central and southern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- When does Bigtree Plum bloom?
- Prunus mexicana typically blooms in May and June, producing clusters of white flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Prunus mexicana?
- Bigtree Plum flowers attract various bees and beetles, which help pollinate the blooms and enable fruit production.
- What growing conditions does Prunus mexicana prefer?
- This native plum adapts to various light conditions from full sun to partial sun and tolerates a wide range of soil moisture levels from wet to dry conditions.
- Is Bigtree Plum toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Bigtree Plum is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Bigtree Plum toxic to cats?
- Yes. Bigtree Plum is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Bigtree Plum HOA-friendly?
- Bigtree Plum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz