American Beach-plum
Prunus maritima
Rose family (Rosaceae)
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Themes
Plants have extensive root systems and can be used for stabilizing the soil on banks.
Fruit is eaten raw or cooked but vary greatly in quality. The best varieties are slightly acid to sweet. Plums are also widely used in, e.g. cakes and jams or dried for later use. The fruit is about 15 mm in diameter and contains one large seed (stone), which can also be eaten raw or cooked although it should not be eaten if it tastes bitter - see the notes on toxicity.
It belongs to a genus where most, if not all, members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste.
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves; a dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.
Details
| Description: | Shrub, up to 2.5 m. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | Eastern north america |
| Habitat: | Near the coast on somewhat gravelly or sandy soils. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic decidous) |
| Hardiness: | Colder than -4 f (very hardy) |
| Flowering period: | Mei |
| Flower color: | White |
| Fruiting period: | September |
| At its best: | Augustus - september |