Canada plum
Prunus nigra
A suckering shrub or small tree of thickets, stream margins and woodland edges. Its orange-red plums have tart skins and are used ripe in preserves or cooked dishes.
Native range
Eastern North America, including southern Ontario. Wild regional populations are documented, although it is less widespread than chokecherry.
Typical season
Broad late-summer fruit reference. Individual thickets vary; leave small populations and wildlife food undisturbed.
Identification
Compare alternate toothed leaves, white spring flowers, stiff branches and oval plums with a single flattened stone. Distinguish it from planted plum species using flowers and leaves as well as fruit. Remove stones intact; do not eat seeds, leaves or twigs, or crush stones during preparation.