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Description
Prunus Umbellata, commonly known as Hog Plum, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, upland forests, and rocky slopes. Hog Plum is a popular ornamental plant because of its showy white flowers that bloom in early spring and its attractive red fruits that ripen in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
Hog Plum can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has a round and spreading crown with dense foliage of serrated leaves that are 2-4 inches long. The leaves are dark green and turn yellow to orange-red in the fall. The flowers of Hog Plum are white, fragrant, and arranged in clusters of 3-6. They bloom in late February to early March, before the leaves emerge. The fruit of Hog Plum is a small red drupe that is 1/2 inch in diameter. The fruit is edible, but it is sour and astringent.
Care Guide
Hog Plum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips on how to care for your Hog Plum:
Water: Water your Hog Plum regularly, especially during the first year after planting. After that, it can tolerate drought.
Fertilization: Hog Plum does not require much fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if necessary.
Soil: Hog Plum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
Sunlight: Hog Plum prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Hog Plum is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hog Plum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
Plum Curculio: This insect can cause damage to the fruit of Hog Plum.
Black Knot: This fungal disease causes dark, knotty growths on the branches of Hog Plum.
Brown Rot: This fungal disease can cause the fruit of Hog Plum to rot and decay.
Habitat
Hog Plum is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, upland forests, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil types and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hog Plum a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Hog Plum is a popular ornamental plant because of its showy flowers and attractive fruits.
Q: Can I eat the fruit of Hog Plum?
A: Yes, the fruit of Hog Plum is edible, but it is sour and astringent.
Q: How often should I water my Hog Plum?
A: Water your Hog Plum regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Hog Plum?
A: Hog Plum is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Hog Plum:
- Prunus Americana
- Prunus Serotina
- Prunus Virginiana
References
- “Prunus umbellata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282969&isprofile=0&basic=prunus%20umbellata (accessed April 14, 2021).
- “Prunus umbellata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRUM (accessed April 14, 2021).
- “Prunus umbellata.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-umbellata/ (accessed April 14, 2021).
