In Late April and early May brilliant clusters of white blossoms appear on the shrubs that dot the sand dunes of Gateway NRA. These are the flowers of the native beach plum. The shrubs grow 4-7 feet on the seashore and up to 12 feet inland. After pollination the flowers, which measure about ½ inch across and have very hairy stalks, turn pinkish in color. Later the blossoms develop into small fruits which ripen into deep purple plums in late August, providing a rich food source for wildlife.