Sloe Plum
Prunus umbellata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sloe 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
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.
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.
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.