Beach Plum

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) is a rugged, native deciduous shrub known for its salt tolerance, coastal adaptability, and late-summer fruit production. Common along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Maryland, it thrives in sandy soils and windswept conditions, making it a staple of dune restoration projects and a valuable addition to native and edible landscapes.

Distinctive Features

This suckering shrub typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, forming dense thickets over time. In spring, Beach Plum produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that give way to round, edible fruits by late summer. The plums range in color from red to deep purple and are prized for making jams, jellies, and sauces. Its gray-green foliage and gnarled form provide seasonal texture and movement, especially in coastal environments.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Sandy, well-drained soils
• Soil pH: Tolerates acidic to neutral soils
• Water Needs: Low once established; drought tolerant
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Coastal stabilization and dune plantings
• Edible landscapes and permaculture gardens
• Pollinator and wildlife-friendly plantings
• Naturalized borders and native shrub mixes
• Focal point in seaside or dry, sandy landscapes

Low Maintenance Care

• Requires little pruning; remove suckers if containment is desired
• Minimal watering once roots are established
• Fertilization is rarely needed in native soils
• Protect fruits from birds if harvesting is a goal
• Extremely tolerant of wind, salt spray, and poor soils

Why Choose Beach Plum

• Native species with edible fruit and ornamental spring blooms
• Excellent for coastal resilience and dune stabilization
• Low maintenance and highly drought-tolerant
• Supports pollinators and native wildlife
• A tough, attractive focal point for coastal and sandy sites

Beach Plum brings together ecological value, coastal beauty, and seasonal fruit, offering a resilient and rewarding choice for naturalized and native landscape designs.