Goose Plum
Prunus americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Prunus americana (American Plum) is a deciduous native tree blooming with white flowers in April and May across most of the United States. This adaptable species thrives in various conditions and provides important habitat for native pollinators.
Goose 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.
Goose 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
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.
Growing Goose Plum
Grow Goose Plum in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Prunus americana bloom?
- American Plum blooms in April and May, producing clusters of white flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Prunus americana?
- American Plum attracts bees and beetles, which are important pollinators for this native species.
- Where is Prunus americana native?
- American Plum is native to most U.S. states, from Maine to Florida and west to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
- What growing conditions does American Plum prefer?
- This adaptable tree tolerates full sun to partial sun and various moisture levels from dry to wet soils.
- Is Goose Plum toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Goose 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 Goose Plum toxic to cats?
- Yes. Goose 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 Goose Plum toxic to livestock?
- Goose 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 Goose Plum HOA-friendly?
- Goose 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 Goose Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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