Mexican Plum Prunus mexicana is a small (20′ X 10′) deciduous tree that occurs over much of the state in dry to moist woods and river bottoms. It has many attractive landscaping characteristics: prodigious bloomer February – March before the leaves appear; only native plum with fragrant flowers; trunk develops attractive satiny, peeling bark as the tree matures; especially valuable provider of nectar to native bees; and supports the larvae of a great diversity of lepidopterans including Tiger Swallowtail, Red Spotted Purple, and Cecropia Moth. The purple fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals; and can be made into preserves. Plant in dry to moist, well-drained sites exposed to full sun or part shade; too much shade will suppress flowering.