Myrobalan Plum Seeds

Myrobalan Plum (Prunus cerasifera), often called Cherry Plum, is one of the earliest fruiting trees you can grow for attracting wild birds. In early spring, the tree is covered with masses of fragrant white blossoms that provide nectar and pollen for bees and other early pollinators. By early to midsummer, the flowers have developed into abundant crops of small cherry-like fruits ranging from bright yellow to deep red, creating an irresistible feast for songbirds while adding ornamental beauty to the landscape.

The colorful fruits are eagerly eaten by American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Catbirds, Northern Mockingbirds, Bluebirds, Orioles, Thrashers, Brown Thrashers, and many other fruit-loving birds. Because Myrobalan Plum ripens earlier than many native fruits, it provides an important seasonal food source when young birds are being raised and natural fruit supplies may still be limited. As birds consume the fruit, they also help distribute the seeds, continuing one of nature's oldest partnerships between trees and wildlife.

Easy to grow and remarkably adaptable, Myrobalan Plum thrives in full sun and a wide range of well-drained soils while tolerating both heat and cold. The attractive green foliage, profusion of fragrant spring flowers, colorful summer fruit, and attractive branching habit make it an excellent landscape tree for home gardens, orchards, wildlife plantings, and naturalized areas. It is also widely valued as a vigorous rootstock for many cultivated plum varieties.

Growing for Wildlife: Unlike seed-producing annuals that are harvested each season, Myrobalan Plum is best managed by allowing the fruit to ripen naturally on the tree. Birds are remarkably efficient at locating the ripest fruit and will often visit daily as the crop matures. If fruit remains after the birds have finished feeding, it may also be enjoyed fresh or used for preserves and jellies, making this tree an excellent choice for gardeners wishing to share the harvest with wildlife.

Favorite Birds

• ★★★★★ American Robin
• ★★★★★ Cedar Waxwing
• ★★★★★ Eastern Bluebird
• ★★★★★ Northern Mockingbird
• ★★★★☆ Baltimore & Orchard Orioles
• ★★★★☆ Gray Catbird
• ★★★★☆ Brown Thrasher
• ★★★★☆ Northern Cardinal

Seedman Notes

Myrobalan Plum reminds us that not all bird food comes in the form of seeds. Fruiting trees are among the most valuable plants for attracting songbirds, especially during the nesting season when nutritious fruit becomes an important part of their diet. We especially enjoy watching Cedar Waxwings and Robins descend on a ripening tree almost as soon as the fruit reaches peak color. Combined with seed-producing flowers and annuals, fruiting trees like Myrobalan Plum help provide a continuous source of natural food from spring through late summer.