Prunus angustifolia 'Chris' - Chris Chickasaw plum

Height: 15'+
Spread: 20'
Light Needs: sun to part shade
Water: average 
Flower color: white
Bloom time: March

This is a small, deciduous tree that produces large numbers of white flowers in spring and edible fruit in late summer. Suckers pop up from the roots and will develop into a thicket if not controlled. This is useful for erosion control. In a garden, plant this tree in the lawn so the suckers can be mowed down regularly. Bees and other early insects pollinate the flowers. The little plums are important food for several species of birds, other small animals and people. Dr. Tallamy ranks Prunus species as very high (second after the oaks) for their wildlife value. It is a host for over 400 butterflies  and moths including the coral hairstreak, spring azure, eastern tiger swallowtail, red-spotted purple, viceroy and several large moths. It has  some resistance to deer damage but young plants may benefit from protection.

For the best fruit production, two or more clones should be planted nearby for cross pollination. All of these plants were grown by cuttings from a tree of SCNPS member Chris Sermon.