Texas summers are notoriously hot, and finding respite from the heat is a priority for residents and visitors alike. One of the most effective and beautiful ways to combat the scorching temperatures is by planting native, drought-tolerant trees. While large shade trees offer significant cooling benefits, they aren’t always suitable for every landscape due to space limitations, power lines, or proximity to buildings. This is where smaller tree species, like the delightful Mexican Plum, shine, often chosen for their stunning blossoms or tasty fruit.
Enter the Mexican Plum Tree ( Prunus mexicana), a superb choice for Texan landscapes. This small to medium-sized tree typically reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet, with a canopy spreading up to 25 feet. Characterized by its short, irregular crown and dull green foliage, the Mexican plum is a native gem of the central United States and Mexico. Its drought tolerance and adaptability have made it a popular and readily available option in commercial nurseries across the region. Thriving in full sun to dappled shade, this resilient tree is relatively slow-growing, typically adding 12 inches or less to its height each year.
The Mexican plum tree truly earns its spotlight in early spring. Before its leaves emerge, it becomes a spectacle of nature, adorned with clusters of fragrant white flowers in March. Often the first tree to bloom in late February or early March, the Mexican plum’s floral display heralds the end of the Texas winter, bringing a welcome promise of warmer days. These fragrant spring blossoms are not only visually stunning but also serve as a vital early food source, attracting bees and a variety of other pollinators to your garden. Beyond its spring charm, the Mexican plum also offers a touch of autumnal beauty. As fall approaches, its green leaves transform into vibrant shades of orange before gracefully falling, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.
Living up to its name, the Mexican plum tree produces edible plums that ripen in late summer. These plums mature to a rich, dark-purple red color, offering a delicious treat straight from your backyard. Birds and other small wildlife are also fond of these fruits, so if you plan to harvest them, be prepared to gather the ripened plums promptly in late summer. The plums can be enjoyed fresh, adding a burst of flavor to your day, or transformed into delectable homemade jams and jellies, allowing you to savor the taste of summer throughout the year.
One of the many advantages of the Mexican plum tree is its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions. Once established, it exhibits impressive drought tolerance, making it an ideal low-maintenance tree for Texas gardens. For newly planted trees, regular watering is crucial to aid establishment, typically for the first two years. During the intense heat of summer, newly planted Mexican plums should be deeply watered two to three times per week if rainfall is lacking. In the cooler winter months, watering can be reduced to once per week for new trees.
Planting a tree correctly is an investment in its long-term health and vitality. Fall is an excellent time to plant a Mexican plum tree in Texas, as the cooler temperatures allow the tree to establish its root system before the stresses of summer arrive. When planting, dig a hole that is slightly shallower than the depth of the root ball and at least a few inches wider than its circumference. Ensure the root flare, the point where the trunk widens at the base, remains about an inch above ground level after planting. Avoid the common mistake of creating a mulch volcano, where mulch is piled excessively around the base of the trunk. Instead, apply mulch around the root ball, which helps to insulate the roots, retain soil moisture, and suppress weeds.
Other Heat Tolerant Tree Species for North Texas Landscapes:
- Crape myrtle
- Cedar elm
- Chinquapin oak
- Bur oak
- Lacey oak
- Live oak
- Southern catalpa
- Shumard oak
- Shantung maple
- Texas buckeye
- Desert willow
- Bald Cypress (with adequate watering)
- Chinese pistache
The Mexican plum tree offers a wealth of benefits for Texas landscapes – beautiful spring flowers, edible fruit, fall color, and drought tolerance. Consider adding this native beauty to your garden and enjoy its year-round appeal while contributing to a greener, more resilient environment.
