Plot & PetalField ManualAll plants
Mexican plum
Prunus mexicana S.Watson
Family: RosaceaeZones: 6-8 per Iowa State University Extension
Pet & Human Safety
People: No hazard foundPets: Toxic to pets
ASPCA has only a genus page, Cherry (Prunus spp.), listing it toxic to dogs, cats and horses (cyanogenic glycosides). No page for Mexican plum itself and no university statement on this species was read, so this is a whole-genus proposal. Do not treat the plant as pet-safe.
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
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- Hardiness zones
USDA 6-8 per Iowa State University Extension
- Light
Full sun per Iowa State.
- Water needs
The level is a plain-language reading of the source wording cited. Always finger-test two inches down.
- Mature size
Iowa State: 15-30 ft tall and 20-25 ft wide; slow growth
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
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Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
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Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
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Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
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