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The American Plum (Prunus americana) is a small tree native to Tennessee. It produces a small plum that ranges in color from yellow to red. The species typically grows in dense patches that create a thicket that serve as habitat for game birds such as grouse and turkey. Whitetail deer, turkey, squirrels, and other wildlife will eat the fruit, making it a beneficial species to appear on the landscape. This species has declined significantly due to habitat loss and impacts caused by invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species .
Erwin National Fish Hatchery is partnering with the University of Tennessee Tree Improvement Program (UT-TIP) to restore the population of American Plum in Tennessee. The UT-TIP works to improve the productivity and health of forests in Tennessee, primarily through planting high quality, locally adapted seedlings. Additionally the program works to restore diminishing tree and shrub species in Tennessee, including the American Plum. The trees now growing at Erwin National Fish Hatchery represent specific varieties native to east Tennessee.
The UT-TIP has planted an American Plum orchard at Erwin National Fish Hatchery. This orchard will eventually serve as a seedbank for the American Plum, helping to preserve its genetic diversity and increase seed availability for private and public land managers in eastern Tennessee. This partnership will help to preserve the American Plum for future generations, and increase its presence on the Tennessee landscape!
