Creek Plum
Prunus rivularisfam. Rosaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 2C47 — Prunus rivularis
Prunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularisPrunus rivularis
IOverview
Overview
Creek Plum (Prunus rivularis) is a shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and is native to several southeastern and midwestern states in the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It requires full sun to grow well and can reach a height of 2.5 meters. Creek Plum is valued both for its fruit and its ability to serve as an ornamental shrub in gardens.
Quick answers
What is Creek Plum?
Creek Plum (Prunus rivularis) is a shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and is native to several southeastern and midwestern states in the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missis
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Creek Plum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Creek Plum thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and can reach a height of 2.5 meters as a shrub. Propagate through seeds for new plants. This versatile tree is native to several southeastern states and is both edible and drought-tolerant once established.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Creek Plum for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a Creek Plum shrub in your garden for a simple and rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A Creek Plum shrub, gloves, a trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not soggy.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the Creek Plum directly from its nursery pot into the prepared ground, ensuring it's at the same depth as in the container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the shrub lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead branches. Harvest fruit when it turns from green to red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Creek Plum's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The seeds are also usable but should be handled with care due to their potential toxicity when ingested in large quantities. Skip the preparation details for this note.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 20 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2c47b9bc-495d-4ee6-8112-5b2f1d03b731
Decision aid
Choosing between Creek Plum and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.