Resources Mexican Plum
Mexican Plum PDF
Prunus mexicana
The Mexican plum is a native species of plum that does exceptionally well in Texas. It is a small-to-medium sized ornamental tree: mature Mexican plums range from 10–35 ft. tall, but most are shorter than 25 ft. The bark is flaky and reddish-brown in color. The leaves have a leathery texture and cup downwards. The quarter-sized white flowers emerge early in the spring and attract many pollinators.
Mexican plums are very drought tolerant, and they do well in sandy soil and limestone outcroppings. They are also flexible in sun or shade, growing healthily in full sun, partial shade, and deep shade. Overall, Mexican plums are hardy trees once they are established.
Pros
- Very beneficial tree for wildlife; provides lots of food for birds and pollinators
- Fruit can be used to make jams and jellies
Considerations
- Fruit can make a mess on hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks
