Creek Plum
Prunus rivularis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Creek 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
36"–96" H × 48"–60" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 16 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Creek Plum is a native Texas shrub that produces fragrant white flowers in spring followed by small red to purple plums in summer. This deciduous shrub forms colonies through root suckers and provides excellent wildlife habitat while offering seasonal interest with spring blooms and fall color.
In an HOA neighborhood
Creek Plum takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the summer fruits feed birds and small mammals. This plant serves as a host for several native butterfly species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Creek Plum need?
- Creek Plum grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Creek Plum bloom?
- Creek Plum blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Creek Plum native?
- Creek Plum (Prunus rivularis) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Creek Plum toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Creek 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 Creek Plum toxic to cats?
- Yes. Creek 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.
- What pollinators does Creek Plum attract?
- Creek Plum draws butterflies and bees.
- Is Creek Plum HOA-friendly?
- Creek 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 Creek Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.