Mexican Plum | Prunus mexicana

Scientific Name

Prunus mexicana

Common Name

Mexican Plum

Photo of Prunus mexicana.

Photo by c. Stubler, J. Reimer courtesy of SelecTree

Tree Description

Prunus mexicana, Mexican plum, is a small, rounded deciduous tree. It has red and orange fall foliage, and produces white flowers and edible red plums. It is cold and drought tolerant.

Tree Size
Small
Height at Maturity
20ft–30ft
Width at Maturity
20ft–30ft
Growth Rate
12 inches/year
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Sun Exposure
Sun
Part-Shade
Water Needs
Low Water
Potential Issues

Susceptible to Armillaria.

Average performance rating from pre-trial survey of experts
Good
Field Trial Monitoring Results

Good potential utility as an urban tree based on evaluation of 14 trees, healthy crown, 100% survival, moderate growth rate. Herbivory and leaf dieback found on a majority of individuals. Field trial plantings have good vigor, pruning is necessary to develop a central leader. Attractive red, orange, and yellow fall color.

Propagation Results

We got poor germination with fresh seed put in 90 day warm stratification then 120 day cold stratification in moist sand in plastic bag in refrigerator. Future trials should have shorter cold stratification (this cold strat was extended beyond the recommended 90 days due to COVID-19 delays.) Seedlings are moderately slow growing.