Mexican Plum/Sellers at the resonable price Mexican Plum
While the fruits of the Japanese plum tree dominate the production aisle in most areas of the United States, the Mexican plum trees are native to the southern central part of the country as low-maintenance ornamental trees that are perfect for any home yard and the added benefit of edible plum production.
Mexican Plum Tree
Mexican plum history
Prunus Mexican, commonly known as the Mexican plum tree, is a small fruit tree that is part of the rose family and is native to northern Mexico and the southern and central United States. It thrives especially in Texas. Native isolated strains are found as far north as southern Minnesota and as Far East as Georgia.
The Mexican plum tree is one of the indigenous non-hybrid plum trees known as the wild plum. Cultivated by Native North Americans, these wild plums do best in full sun to partial shade. In the wild, it is often found along river beds.
Prunus Mexican was named by Sereno Watson, who likely located it during his 1867 expedition to the 40th parallel in the western half of the United States.
Landscaping Benefits of Mexican Plum Trees
Prunus Mexican is worth considering for gardeners who plan in hardiness zones 6-8. The tree produces fragrant flowers that are about an inch wide.
The white flowers will be among the first spring flowers to light up both commercial and residential landscapes. In central Texas, flowers are a hopeful sign that winter is over and spring is on its way.
The beauty of the tree is not limited to spring. The Mexican plum is deciduous, and you can expect a fall show before the tree sheds its leaves for the winter, but given how quickly it blooms, the tree won't be bare for long.
Mexican plum trees are also popular ornamental trees because of their distinctive bark. Its color is dark gray with horizontal lenses, which means that it resembles birch bark. As the tree ages, the bark becomes large, with flat leaves reminiscent of parchment.
It is a tree with one root, and one trunk rather than a colony and should not produce suckers.
The root system typically remains within the confines of the canopy and sinks about five feet, making it less likely to disrupt sidewalks and foundations throughout its life.
Mexican plum trees are attractive to bees and birds, so consider planting the tree near other pollinating plants such as squash.
Growing information
The trees grow best in zones 6 to 8, are tolerant of many types of soil, and are drought tolerant once established. Prunus Mexican is widely available in nurseries and garden centers in Texas and even in Oklahoma. Gardeners outside of these areas may need to turn to online nurseries or order a special order from a local store.
Expect trees to be 20 to 30 feet in height with a 25-foot canopy spread. These trees are often described as low maintenance, but like all fruit trees, the trees' longevity and fruit production will be improved with little pampering when planting.
Young trees will benefit from moist, rich, well-drained soil. Once ripe, they require less water. Mature trees do best in full sun to partial shade, but newly planted trees are better suited to afternoon shade once established.
Mexican Plum fruit
In the wild, the Mexican plum will grow in a variety of soil types, but home gardeners can protect their investment by giving it the best start possible.
Expect these trees to grow slowly, 12 inches or less annually. It is insect resistant but very attractive to deer. Plan to protect new trees to accommodate growth.
To reduce yard work, plant these trees again on sidewalks, yards, and in areas where fruit scraps can be tolerated. Picking a small one-inch fruit, such as crabapple, is difficult. The tree is expected to live 15 years, which may present additional landscaping challenges.
Farming tips
Planting trees is one of the most effortless tasks a home gardener can do, but the extra effort will give your investment the best chance of growth. A healthy tree will provide beauty and contentment for years to come. An improperly planted tree runs an increased risk of not recovering, allowing you to dig in and start over in a few seasons.
Plant your new tree in the fall while the soil is still working to give it the best chance. This will give the roots time to establish before they experience the shock of summer heat and drought.
Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and at least a few inches larger in diameter. By placing the root ball in a larger hole, you give the new tree a better chance of spreading its roots and growing faster. This makes them more willing to withstand summer heat and drought.
If you are unsure of the location of power, gas, water, sewage, or cable lines in your yard, always contact your local utility before digging. Consider the potential growth of the tree and how any of these could affect the streak.
A hastily planted tree can incur painful excavation and repair bills when it damages a waterline or other utility line.
Your new fruit tree will benefit from a good dose of water when planted; Be sure to water the surrounding soil and root ball while holding it in place.
The Mexican plum is prized for being able to survive in any soil, but grapevines like clay soils the most, so soil amendments can get your tree off to its best start. Compost, cow dung, and sphagnum moss are good soil amendments for bell trees.
Don't forget to consider the surroundings when planting a tree to ensure that a mature tree will not crowd or damage existing structures or cause you to do more work by closing the ears.
Trees multiply
For landscaping, container-grown trees will suit the patience of most gardeners. However, these trees can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Mexican Plum fruit size
When growing from seed, first split the seeds into moist sand for 60 days and then refrigerate the seeds for 60-90 days. Cold layers should be above freezing but below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mexican plum trees are often used as base cuttings for propagating other trees.
Harvest and taste
The Mexican plum falls off its trees from mid-to-late summer through fall, depending on the location, and the best fruit will be a deep purple-red shade with a waxy bloom.
Wax blooms are a dusty white coating on plums and other products that form a natural barrier and are a good indicator of freshness. You can expect the fruit to run in a range of colors from orange to deep purple before falling.
The Mexican plum attracts birds and other wildlife, so aspiring plum pickers should keep a close eye on the trees and pick the fruit as it ripens.
The Mexican plum is often overlooked because of its small size, so it's an easy introduction to urban and rural forages in areas with many trees, especially in Texas. If you're hoping to reduce your grocery bill by finding wild trees, you'll have better luck finding them along forest edges and in open, grooved, or stream banks and stream beds.
The taste of the fruit is inconsistent, ranging from the traditional sweet plum flavor expected of grocery peaches or other small cherry plums to the bitter and unpleasant fruit.
Color may not be an accurate indicator, and some trees will produce fruits that are more bitter than others. Pits and leaves should not be consumed.
How useful is this article to you?
Average Score
5
/
Number of votes:
1
