Black Plum
Prunus nigra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Black 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Plum as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–360" H × 180"–300" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
CT, IA, IL, IN and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Canada plum is a medium-sized native tree that produces fragrant white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It develops small edible plums in late summer and displays attractive fall color, making it a four-season landscape feature.
In an HOA neighborhood
Black Plum is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
- May sucker from roots if not properly maintained
- Fruit drop in late summer requires cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for tent caterpillar, spring azure.
The spring blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. The fruits provide food for birds and small mammals, while the tree serves as a host plant for various butterfly and moth caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Black Plum need?
- Black Plum grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Black Plum bloom?
- Black Plum blooms in April and May.
- Where is Black Plum native?
- Black Plum (Prunus nigra) is native to CT, IA, IL, IN and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Black Plum toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Black 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 Black Plum toxic to cats?
- Yes. Black 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 Black Plum toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Plum as toxic to livestock.
- What butterflies or moths does Black Plum host?
- Black Plum is a larval host plant for tent caterpillar and spring azure.
- Is Black Plum HOA-friendly?
- Black Plum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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 Black Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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