European Plum
Prunus domestica
Last reviewed: June 2026
European 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
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
PA
Pollinators
bees
European plum is a medium-sized fruit tree that produces white or pale pink flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It develops into a rounded canopy and bears edible purple or yellow plums in late summer, making it both ornamental and productive.
In an HOA neighborhood
European Plum takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm typical residential landscapes
- Irregular growth habit looks too wild for formal settings
- Can sucker and spread beyond intended boundaries
Wildlife value
The early spring blossoms provide nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other flowers are available. The fruit attracts birds and small mammals if not harvested.
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 European Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.