Common names: big-tree plum, Mexican plum

Scientific names: Prunus mexicana (P. arkansana, P. lanata, P. palmeri, P. reticulata, P. tenuifolia)

Seasons of significant use: summer (for P. angustifolia-P. mexicana-P. rivularis complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial shrub or tree to 25.0 feet. Usually not forming thickets. Bark separating into platelike scales when young, rough and deeply furrowed when older; leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, singly or doubly serrate margins, usually short-hairy on upper surface, hairy and net-veined on lower surface; inflorescence corymbose, usually 2-4 but sometimes 6 flowered, pedicals usually hairless; flowers before leaves fully emerge, sepals of flower rounded or toothed at tip; fruit is a spherical to elliptical drupe, 1-seeded, smooth, dark purple at maturity, maturing in July-September. Flowers April-May.

Plant community type: Uplands and bottomlands. In open areas as well as the understory of wooded areas.

Comments: Makes up the majority of Prunus spp. found in the study area.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family