Good in semi-arid sites. Better for cover than for food, but is eaten by antelope, mule deer, and small mammals. Good in fence rows, along roads, and borders for windbreaks. Especially good during bad winter weather as food. Will sucker like native plum and form thickets.
Thorny thickets create ideal cover for numerous bird and animal species.
Preferred nesting site for many songbirds. Some birds like the brown thrasher eat the fruit although it is not relished by a wide variety of species. Good cover for birds and small mammals. Good palatability to game animals. Preferred roosting, loafing, or nesting cover for several songbirds and has general use by many birds for food.