Definition

Noun 1. A small North American tree (Prunus angustifolia): A small, shrubby, native North American tree belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). 2. A tree bearing small edible fruit: This tree produces small, edible plums that range in color from yellow to reddish-purple.

Usage

• The chickasaw plum is valued for its thicket-forming habit, which provides excellent wildlife cover.
• Early settlers made preserves from the tart fruit of the chickasaw plum.
• In landscaping, the chickasaw plum is often used for erosion control.

Advanced Usage

• The species name, , refers to its "narrow leaves."
• The common name honors the Chickasaw Nation, whose historical territory included the tree's native range.

Variants and Related Words

• Sand plum: A common regional name for the same species, .
• Mountain cherry: Another occasional name for this plant.
• Prunus angustifolia: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the chickasaw plum.

Synonyms

• Sandhill plum
• Cherokee plum

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to the plant species Prunus angustifolia. It should not be confused with other, larger commercial plum trees. Its primary meanings are always botanical, referring to the tree itself or its fruit.

Noun

1. small native American shrubby tree bearing small edible yellow to reddish fruit