Native East Coast Species- Highly Productive
Found in sandy areas on the eastern seaboard from Virginia to Maine. Fruit can be eaten fresh and terrific for jam. Beautiful white flowers, compact growing and extremely productive. Can be pruned to attain a small tree to 6 feet or used for an informal hedge up to 10 feet wide.
High in vitamin A; about 1000 IU in a cup and cholesterol-lowering pectin.
The last Prunus species to flower missing frosts so there is always a crop. Can grow in pure sand or your average loam soil. Plant two for pollination and best fruit set. For this selection we are using seeds from what would be considered wild beach plum under cultivation. They are not hybrids and contain the typical wild and crazy trunk structure that dips to one side after a particularly heavy fruit year which then keeps the plant on a tilt for the rest of its life. Keep in mind that beach plums by their nature are not a tree but a shrub that naturally produces multiple trunks over many years so eventually the main trunk begins to loose production you will need to keep it going by selecting a new trunk every 10-15 years or so.
Much like hazelnuts and lilacs the plants naturally balance flower and fruit production with vigor and health of new growth.
| Plant Specs |
| Genus & Species |
Prunus maritima |
| Seed Source |
Michigan |
| Hardiness |
-35 F |
| Height (ft) |
10 |
| Width (ft) |
10 |
| Pollination Requirements |
Any two plants will cross pollinate.They can be the same type or different. Doesn't matter. |
| Soil |
Sand to loam. You don't need sand to grow and fruit it. |
| Climate |
Zone 3-8. Once established very drought tolerant. High humidity in July or August during ripening can be tricky. |
| Ease of Cultivation |
Anyone can grow it. Full sun, Low fertility soils ideal. Rarely has insects or disease issues. Tap rooted so give it time to reestablish. |
