Goose Plum
Prunus americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Goose 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
240"–480" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 39 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Goose plum is a native tree that produces clusters of white flowers in spring before the leaves emerge, followed by small red or yellow plums in summer. It naturally forms thickets through root suckers and can grow quite large, reaching 20-40 feet tall and wide at maturity.
In an HOA neighborhood
Goose 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.
- Forms thickets through aggressive suckering
- Can appear unkempt without regular maintenance
- Fruit drop creates mess on walkways
Wildlife value
Host plant for tiger swallowtail, spring azure.
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The fruits provide food for birds and small mammals, while the dense branching structure offers nesting sites.
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 Goose Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.