Sloe Plum
Prunus umbellata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Prunus umbellata (Sloe Plum) is a native deciduous shrub found across the southeastern and eastern United States. It produces clusters of white flowers in March and April, attracting bees and beetles as pollinators.
Sloe 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
low
Size
96"–240" H × 96"–240" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sloe plum is a native shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It grows into a large, spreading shrub that can reach up to 20 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for spacious landscapes where it has room to develop naturally.
Growing Sloe Plum
Grow Sloe Plum in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 96 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sloe 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 appear uncontrolled
- Can sucker and spread beyond intended area
- Winter appearance lacks structure typical of maintained landscapes
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide nectar for bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The small fruits that follow attract birds and other wildlife throughout the summer.
Common questions
- Where does Prunus umbellata naturally grow?
- Sloe Plum is native to 18 states across the southeastern and eastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- When does Sloe Plum bloom?
- Prunus umbellata typically blooms in March and April, producing clusters of small white flowers before or as the leaves emerge.
- What pollinators visit Sloe Plum flowers?
- The flowers of Prunus umbellata attract various bees and beetles, which serve as important pollinators for this native shrub.
- What growing conditions does Sloe Plum prefer?
- This native shrub thrives in full sun locations and tolerates low water conditions once established, making it suitable for naturalized landscapes and wildlife gardens.
- Is Sloe Plum toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Sloe 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 Sloe Plum toxic to cats?
- Yes. Sloe 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 Sloe Plum HOA-friendly?
- Sloe 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 Sloe Plum and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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