Prunus maritima - Beach Plum
Prunus maritima (Beach Plum) is a hardy native shrub known for its fragrant white spring flowers and edible purple to blue plums that follow in late summer. Naturally adapted to sandy coastal conditions, it provides excellent habitat value while offering seasonal beauty and fruit for wildlife and human use.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Sandy, well drained soils; tolerant of poor soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Low deer resistance
Native Status
Prunus maritima is native to the eastern coastal regions of North America and is commonly found in dunes, sandy fields, and coastal habitats.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Fruits are eaten by birds such as American Robins, Northern Mockingbirds, and Eastern Bluebirds.
Bees
- Early spring flowers attract native bees and other pollinators.
Butterflies
- Supports butterflies and beneficial insects seeking nectar in spring.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 4 - 6 ft apart to allow for natural spreading and colony formation.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for coastal plantings, naturalized areas, and edible landscapes where sandy soils and full sun are present.
Companion Plants
- Amorpha fruticosa (False Indigo Bush) - Adds nitrogen fixing benefits and thrives in sandy poor soils.
- Solidago sempervirens (Seaside Goldenrod) - Provides late season color and supports pollinators in coastal settings.
- Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) - Offers structure and erosion control in sandy soils.
- Hudsonia tomentosa (Beach Heather) - Low growing groundcover suited to dry sandy conditions.