Beach Plum

Arbor Walk #143, Treekeeper ID #6824

Unlike its more known relative, the American Plum (Prunus americana), the Beach Plum has a range restricted to the upper Atlantic coast, primarily from New Jersey to New England. It produces an edible fruit that is slightly smaller than the American Plum, but becoming regionally sought after for jellies, sauces, and alcoholic infusions. This fruit tree derives its name from its restricted habitat in sandy areas like beaches, dunes, and tidal streams.

According to the USDA, the Beach Plum is endangered in three states of its range, which may be exacerbated by anthropogenic development and fragmentation of coastal dune habitats. Where established, these shrubs can form thickets via suckering roots which support wildlife via pollination, frugivory, and ground cover.

Common NameBeach Plum
Latin NamePrunus maritima
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety
Commercial Name
Global Distribution
Where to find Arbor Walk #143 on WashU campus
Our Beach Plum in space
GPS Coordinates

N/A

Percent Concrete

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Distance to Buildings
YearClose Building #1Close Building #2Close Building #3
Distance to Other Species
YearClose Species #1Close Species # 2Close Species # 3
Our Beach Plum through time
Standard Measurements
YearHeight (m)DBH (cm)Crown Diameter N-S (m)Crown Diameter E-W (m)Average Crown Diameter (m)
Nests and Pests
YearDescription
How to identify a Beach Plum
Leaf Identification

[description]

  • Leaf of Arbor Walk #143
  • Underside of Leaf of Arbor Walk #143
Twig and Bud Identification

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  • Twig and Buds of Arbor Walk #143
  • Buds of Arbor Walk #143
  • Twig and Buds of Arbor Walk #143
Bark Identification

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  • Bark of Arbor Walk #143
Fruit Identification

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  • Fruit of Arbor Walk #143
Flower Identification

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Relationship of Prunus maritima to other species in the arboretum
Additional resources on the Beach Plum