American plum is a small, fast-growing, native tree, Abundant tiny white flowers open before the leaves emerge in spring. The fruit that follows ripens to a shiny, bright red in August or September. When ripe, the reddish-yellow to purple fruit are covered in a powdery white bloom or yeast. They have a tough skin and a bright yellow tart-flavored pulp. Each plum has a large slightly flattened stone or pit with two ridges along each side. Inside each pit is a solitary seed. The plums are eaten fresh and used in jellies and preserves, and are also consumed by many kinds of birds.
