Chickasaw Plum
Prunus angustifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chickasaw Plum is a native shrub found across the southeastern and central United States that produces fragrant white flowers from March through May. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees and beetles while forming dense thickets.
Chickasaw 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.
Chickasaw Plum is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–240" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CO, DE and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chickasaw plum is a native shrub that produces masses of white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It forms dense thickets through root suckers and produces small red or yellow plums in summer that are enjoyed by wildlife.
Growing Chickasaw Plum
Grow Chickasaw Plum in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chickasaw Plum takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively through suckers creating informal colonies
- Can appear unkempt outside of brief spring bloom period
- Thorny branches may be considered unsightly
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The fruits feed birds and small mammals, while the dense growth provides excellent nesting habitat.
Common questions
- When does Chickasaw Plum bloom?
- Chickasaw Plum blooms from March through May, producing clusters of small white flowers before the leaves emerge.
- What pollinators visit Chickasaw Plum?
- Chickasaw Plum attracts bees and beetles with its early spring flowers, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
- Where is Chickasaw Plum native?
- Chickasaw Plum is native to much of the southeastern and central United States, including states from Texas and Florida north to Pennsylvania and west to Colorado.
- How much water does Chickasaw Plum need?
- Chickasaw Plum is drought tolerant once established and thrives in low to moderate water conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Is Chickasaw Plum toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw Plum toxic to cats?
- Yes. Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw Plum toxic to livestock?
- Chickasaw Plum is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Chickasaw Plum HOA-friendly?
- Chickasaw Plum takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Chickasaw Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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