Flatwoods Plum
Flatwoods plum can grow to 20 feet tall.
By LYNN ARTZ and SANDY TEDDER
Flatwoods plum (Prunus umbellata) is a small tree with showy white flowers in spring. Native to north and central Florida, it grows in a variety of soils in full to part sun but does best in moist soil with afternoon shade. Flatwoods plum can grow to 20 feet tall with a 15-foot spread. Its cloud of flowers attracts native bees. The caterpillars of eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies feed on the leaves. Birds eat the dark purple fruit in the fall. Flatwoods plum is also known as hog plum due to its past use as livestock food. Though edible for humans, the fruit is best used for jelly. Several flatwoods plums are growing near the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park. At least one is in bloom.