Chickasaw Plum
Prunus angustifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chickasaw 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
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.
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.
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.