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American plum identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
American plum, Prunus americana, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Finely toothed oval leaves 3 to 4 inches long with a sharp tip. Bark: Reddish gray with sideways lines, later rough and peeling in curling strips. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify American plum
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Finely toothed oval leaves 3 to 4 inches long with a sharp tip. |
| Bark | Reddish gray with sideways lines, later rough and peeling in curling strips. |
| Fruit | Round plums about 1 inch across, reddish purple to yellow-brown with a waxy bloom, ripe mid to late summer. |
| Twigs | Slender reddish brown twigs with raised leaf scars. |
| Size and shape | Shrubby, multi-stemmed small tree up to about 30 feet with stiff, spine-tipped branches; white flowers in early spring. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is American plum native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists American plum as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like American plum
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Black cherry Prunus serotina | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Glossy, finely toothed leaves 2 to 5 inches long, usually with a line of yellowish-brown fuzz along the underside of the midrib. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other cherries and plums in Pennsylvania
Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Sweet cherry (Prunus avium).
Questions
How do you identify American plum?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Finely toothed oval leaves 3 to 4 inches long with a sharp tip. Bark: Reddish gray with sideways lines, later rough and peeling in curling strips.
Is American plum native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists American plum as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does American plum get?
Shrubby, multi-stemmed small tree up to about 30 feet with stiff, spine-tipped branches; white flowers in early spring.
How can you tell American plum in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender reddish brown twigs with raised leaf scars. Bark: Reddish gray with sideways lines, later rough and peeling in curling strips.
What tree looks like American plum?
Black cherry. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Prunus americana fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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