Ussurian Pear (Siberian) vs American Plum - TreeTime.ca

Ussurian Pear (Siberian) vs American Plum

Prunus americana

Pyrus ussuriensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

American Plum
Ussurian Pear (Siberian)

American Plum is a cold-hardy wild plum native to North America that grows as a small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub. Small, firm, red plums ripen from mid to late summer; the skin is tough and tart, whereas the flesh is sweet and juicy. While some enjoy eating them fresh, they are more commonly used for baking and preserves. It is considered a universal pollinizer for other plum varieties and is often used for grafting or as a rootstock.

In spring, American Plum produces abundant white to pink flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, providing an important early-season source of nectar and pollen. It also serves as a host plant for numerous moth and butterfly species. In its native range, it is recognized as an important keystone plant, as it has a disproportionately large impact on local ecosystems.

American Plum tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline, and heavy clay. It is well suited to a variety of projects, including fruit orchards for cross-pollination, as well as pollinator plantings, naturalization, and restoration projects.

Ussurian Pear is the most cold hardy of all pear species. It is frequently used as a rootstock or as a pollinizer for other pear varieties. The pinkish-white flowers that bloom in the spring and the striking fall colours make it well-suited as an ornamental addition to your landscape.

Ussurian Pear can also be used for forming hedges as it tends to branch quite low.

While the Ussurian Pear is considered self-pollinating, planting with another pear variety will increase yields. Can be paired with Krazulya Pear or Beedle Pear.

American Plum Quick Facts

Ussurian Pear (Siberian) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 10 m (33 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 8 m (26 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Growth form: rounded to spreading, thicket forming
Spreading: suckering - high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: leaves, stems, pits contain cyanide

Fall colour: gold to orange
Fall colour: burgundy
Flowers: fragrant, white
Flowers: white
Bloom time: early to mid spring
Fruit: small, red plums
Fruit: yellow
Fruit size: 2-3cm in diameter
Firmness: firm
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON
Other Names: american wild plum, wild plum
Other Names: harbin pear, manchurian pear, siberian pear