FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Flatwoods plum

By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY

Flatwoods plum (Prunus umbellata) delights with its spectacular late-winter flower display. For about a month, this small deciduous tree is covered with a cloud of showy white flower clusters. Bees pollinate the early blooming 5-petaled flowers that are important for native bees and are one of the first nectar sources for early spring butterflies. In summer and fall, flatwoods plum bears small, tart purple fruits that are attractive to wildlife. While edible, the fruit is best used for jelly. Also called hog plum, this beautiful native grows 12-20 feet tall and wide in medium to dry, well-drained soil in full to part sun. It will live for 30-40 years in a good site. Several flatwoods plums are blooming now at the south end of Sopchoppy Depot Park.