Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

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Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Hog Plum, also called Flatwoods Plum, is a small tree usually found in the understory of dry rocky or sandy upland woodlands. In North Carolina, at the northern limit of its range, Hog Plum is rare and found only in 7 counties in the southern Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Possible confusion species include American Plum (Prunus americana) and Southern Crabapple (Malus angustifolia). American Plum leaves are long-tapered (acuminate) and doubly-serrate (teeth upon teeth), while Hog Plum leaves are acute and once-serrate (teeth single).

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Leaf undersides may be densely white-pubescent (as here) or glabrous.

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Flower remnants. Flowering is in early spring.

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Bark is dark brown and fairly rough.

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Hog Plum, Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata)

Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly Co., NC 4/17/2011.

More information:
Southeastern Flora
USDA PLANTS
Wildflower.org

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