Prairie Red plum is a hybrid, very cold-hardy, thicket-forming, small tree that reaches up to 15 feet in height. White flowers appear in early May, followed by larger, edible reddish-yellow to red fruit in late summer and fall.

Fruit Characteristics

The plums are sweeter when left on the tree for longer and are fairly large in size (see photo).

Cold Hardiness and Uses

Prairie Red has survived cold temperatures in Montana and is widely planted on the prairies (in Canada, the Dakotas, and Eastern Montana) as a shelterbelt for wind. It serves the dual purpose of providing both wind protection and a fruit yield. We have also used Prairie Red as rootstock for grafting Asian-American hybrid plums.

Wildlife Benefits

This tree provides good food and habitat for wildlife.

Cold Tolerance

Prairie Red is hardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more). These trees are 3–5 ft. tall.