Tree · North Texas care guide
Prunus mexicana
Nursery Pro tip: Fragrant white blooms in early spring, then small plums the birds fight over.
A native ornamental tree with fragrant white blossoms in late February, tart purple fruit in late summer (the mockingbirds get most of it), and yellow-orange fall color. Dark, exfoliating bark, 15–25 ft, tough and drought tolerant.
Full sun to part shade; happiest with a little afternoon shade or at the edge of larger trees, exactly where it grows wild. Any soil that drains.
Fall or early spring. Wide hole, ball at grade, native soil, Root Stimulator, mulch.
Weekly the first summer, then occasional deep soaks in drought.
Not needed.
After bloom or in winter; remove suckers and crossing limbs. Keep an open head so air moves through.
Tent caterpillars in spring — cut out the webs. Borers if drought-stressed, so water during long dry spells. Fruit drop can be messy over a patio; site it in a bed.
Plant with redbud for a two-week spring show (white then pink). Good understory or woodland-edge tree.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.