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| ## beach plum {#beach-plum .Title-Header}                             |
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| *Prunus maritima* Marsh.                                              |
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| Plant Symbol = PRMA2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

![Color image of Beach Plum (Prunus
maritima)](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.0in"
height="1.9452755905511812in"}

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

Beach plum is most useful in the secondary stabilization and restoration
of coastal sand dunes. On Cape Cod, MA, efforts are being made to
develop and promote the commercial fruit production of this native plum.
This native shrub is utilized by coastal wildlife.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

On sand dunes beach plum will reach heights of 4 to 7 feet; but if this
species is moved inland, and it can attain heights of 16 to 18 feet.
When maximum heights have been reached, stem diameter will range from 4
to 8 inches at the root collar. The root system penetrates deep into the
soil, and as lower branches are covered by shifting sands, adventitious
roots develop. Colonies formed from this layering effect can expand up
to 20 feet.

The egg shaped leaves of beach plum are firm, alternate, and dull green;
they are rough and ridged above, paler and finely hairy beneath. The
leaves are half as wide as they are long, measuring 1½ to 2½ inches
long; each leaf is attached to the branches with a stout, hairy, often
granular stalk. The leaf edges are finely serrated, with broadly
triangular to semi-circular shaped, abruptly pointed teeth.

In April to early May, flowers emerge before the leaves. Each snowy
white flower measures ¼ to ½ inch across, with very hairy stalks and
sepals. Flowers develop in axillary clusters of two or three. After
pollination occurs by bees or wind the flowers become pinkish in color.
The edible fruit that develops is round and ½ to ¾ inches in diameter.
The color may vary from a purplish-black to red; there are some plants
that produce yellow fruit. The fleshy fruit's surface is covered with a
tough skin which has a heavy, white waxy residue. Each fruit contains a
single stone type seed which is egg shaped, swollen, and squared-off at
the base.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Although indigenous to the mid-Atlantic coastal region, beach plum has
been planted successfully on more inland sites. It is well adapted to
droughty sites with moderately fertile, slightly acidic, loamy and sandy
soils. Beach plum does not perform well on heavy clay soils, but will
tolerate moderately well drained conditions.

Beach plum is distributed throughout the Northeast. For a current
distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species
on the PLANTS Web site.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Quality seedlings are easily produced in nurseries on raised beds. Fall
sowing works best to utilize natural stratification forces to break seed
dormancy. If spring sowing is selected, the seed must be exposed to a
cool moist stratification for at least 30 days, prior to planting. Due
to the expansive root system which rapidly develops, seedlings are
distributed as 1 year old bare-root or containerized stock. Controlling
competing weeds through the establishment period is critical to good
survival and performance of the seedlings. Mulching, hand cultivating,
and no fertilization for the first year or two are the most effective
means of avoiding weedy growth. Application of fertilizer can initiate
excessive growth of competing grasses. Once this shrub is established it
requires little or no maintenance.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Chemical control of mildew and aphids is sometimes necessary with beach
plum, if an infestation becomes excessive.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

There is one variety available on the commercial nursery market for
conservation uses named 'Ocean View' (composite from plants in DE, NJ,
MA). This cultivar was developed and released in 1992 by the Cape May
Plant Materials Center, in Cape May Court House, NJ. Foundation seed and
orchard stock can be acquired from the PMC by commercial producers.
Common stock material of locally collected sources can be purchased from
nurseries.

##### Prepared By:  {#prepared-by .Header-3}

*USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program*

##### 

##### Species Coordinator:  {#species-coordinator .Header-3}

*Christopher Miller*, PMS-Southern NE/Mid-Atlantic

USDA NRCS, Somerset, New Jersey

##### Edited: 05Feb2002 JLK; 060809 jsp {#edited-05feb2002-jlk-060809-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
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