The reddish-brown wood is strong, hard and moderately heavy but trees are too small to make this a commercially viable timber species. This is an important native species for wildlife, but not for its fruit. Although the fruits are reportedly consumed by foxes, they are not particularly favored by birds. The American plum was mentioned in De Soto's 1539 writings, where he mentioned the fruits as being part of the Native American diet. Fruits may be used in jellies, preserves and pies.
Wildlife make extensive use of the dense, thorny growth habit for cover and nesting sites.
Many edible plum varieties have been developed from this species, and it is often used as understock for grafted commercial varieties. American plum is cultivated for its edible fruit and attractive flowers, and is planted in parks and orchards.