Beach plum
Prunus maritima
BEACH PLUM
Rosaceae
N.E. North America
Location: map coordinates T-5 (near southwest corner of parking lot #6), N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'49''
Planting history: planted 5/6/10. Source: Willey Farms, DE. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).
Description:
Native species, State Rank S3 (uncommon, but not of conservation concern, yet), on Delaware coastal plain, in Kent and Sussex Counties
BEACH PLUM
Rosaceae
N.E. North America
Location: map coordinates T-5 (near southwest corner of parking lot #6), N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'49''
Planting history: planted 5/6/10. Source: Willey Farms, DE. (Dr. S. Yost, USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant funds).
Description:
- deciduous shrub (sometimes a small tree), to 6’ tall, dense growth to 7’ wide
- etymology: Prunus = Latin name for plum tree; maritima = of the sea
- flowers white, turning pink; April-May
- fruit drupe (stone fruit); purple-black to red; edible, eaten raw or in jellies and jams; mature late July-early August in Delaware
- roots sprout from sand-covered lower branches, forming colonies
- natural habitat: full sun, sandy soil, coastal dunes; but does well in moderately fertile, slightly acidic, loamy, well-drained soils. Does not do well in heavy clay soils
- native from Maine to Maryland; hardy to zone 3; in Delaware, dunes of southern Delaware Bay and Atlantic Coast
Native species, State Rank S3 (uncommon, but not of conservation concern, yet), on Delaware coastal plain, in Kent and Sussex Counties
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