Beach plum
(π·πππππ ππππππππ)
Conservation Status: Endangered in Maine
Photo Credit: USFWS Northeast Region/Creative Commons
Facts: Beach plum is normally a low, trailing deciduous shrub, but on rare instances can be tree-like and grow up to 13 feet in height when cultivated in a garden. The oblong leaves are finely toothed and hairy beneath and the flowers are small and have white petals. The sepals have a fine covering of short hairs on the inside surface, unique for native Maine plums. It blooms in mid-May through June. Fruits, which ripen in August and early September, are Β½ to ΒΎ inch wide and range in color from purplish-black to red or yellow.
In Maine, this plant is known to grow on sandy coastal beaches from southern Maine northeast to the mid-coast area. Itβs a rare plant mainly due to suitable habitat being scarce. The Beach plum is considered endangered in Maine and has not recently been seen on many beaches due to commercial and beachfront development, which has reduced the naturally small range of this species in Maine.
Interesting Fact: Due to the fruit being quite sour, it is most often grown commercially to make jam. Beach plums are much smaller in size when compared to the longer cultivated Asian varieties found in the supermarket.
Uses: 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 Maineβs coastal wildlife for shelter and food.
Sources: https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_prma2.pdf, Maine Department of Conservation Natural Areas Program, https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/prumar.htm