Mexican Plum

Spring Flowers, Fall Fruit, Year-Round Beauty

The Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) is a beloved Texas native that offers something in every season — clouds of fragrant white flowers in spring, edible purple fruit in late summer, and warm fall color. One of the best small native trees for San Antonio. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Mexican Plums at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

1–2 ft/yr
Growth Rate
15–25 ft
Mature Height
Good
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Edible Fruit
Edible Fruit

Edible Fruit

Mexican Plums produce sweet-tart purple plums in August–September that are excellent for jams, jellies, and eating fresh. The fruit also attracts birds and wildlife to your landscape.

Fragrant white spring flowers Edible plums in late summer Attractive fall color Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Mexican Plum vs. Texas Redbud

Two popular small native flowering trees for SA.

Recommended

Mexican Plum

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
FlowersWhite, fragrant
FruitEdible plums
Mature Height15–25 ft
Fall ColorOrange-red
WildlifeHigh value

Texas Redbud

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
FlowersPink-purple
FruitNon-edible pods
Mature Height15–25 ft
Fall ColorYellow
WildlifeModerate

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a 2” caliper tree (8–12 ft at install).

10 ft
Planting
14 ft
Year 3
19 ft
Year 7
Full bloom/fruit
23 ft
Year 12+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Water deeply 2×/week during the first season. Once established, moderate drought tolerance with supplemental water in extended dry spells.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to SA’s alkaline soils well. Benefits from a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring for fruit production.

Pruning

Prune in winter to maintain shape and remove crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning which reduces flowering and fruit.

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal. Fall planting gives roots time to establish for spring bloom.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth Rate
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Canopy Spread
15–20 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Foliage
Deciduous
Native Range
Central & East Texas
Soil
Alkaline / Any
Best For
Small Yards, Wildlife
Category
Native
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Mexican Plums grow 1–2 feet per year, reaching 15–25 feet within 10–12 years.

Yes! Mexican Plums produce sweet-tart purple fruit in August–September that’s great for eating fresh, jams, and jellies.

In early spring (February–March), often before the leaves emerge, producing clouds of fragrant white flowers.

Yes — the flowers attract pollinators, and the fruit is loved by birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

October through March is ideal.

We offer Mexican Plums in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the SA metro. Request a free quote.

Fallen fruit can attract insects if not picked up. Plant away from patios and walkways, or enjoy the fruit harvest!