// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Watson's plum

Prunus angustifolia var. watsonii

Watson's plum (Prunus angustifolia var. watsonii) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 4a–10a. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms Feb–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 27 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, DE…
USDA hardiness: Zones 4a–10a
Mature size: 6'–15'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Feb–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Watson's plum (Prunus angustifolia var. watsonii) — *Prunus angustifolia var. watsonii* — Watson's plum. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Watson's plum (Prunus angustifolia var. watsonii) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 4a–10a. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms Feb–May. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, watson's plum pairs naturally with: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera), Box elder (Acer negundo), Boxelder (Acer negundo var. interius).