Davis’ Plum: A Rare Michigan Native Worth Knowing About
Meet Davis’ plum (Prunus alleghaniensis var. davisii), one of Michigan’s most elusive native shrubs. If you’ve never heard of this plant before, don’t worry – you’re definitely not alone! This rare variety is so uncommon that even seasoned native plant enthusiasts might do a double-take when they encounter its name.
What Makes Davis’ Plum Special?
Davis’ plum is a perennial shrub that’s part of the larger Prunus family, which includes cherries, plums, and almonds. As a true Michigan native, this multi-stemmed woody plant typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, making it a manageable size for most landscapes. Like other shrubs, it usually develops several stems from or near ground level, creating a natural, bushy appearance.
Where You’ll Find It (Or Won’t Find It)
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit mysterious. Davis’ plum is documented as growing only in Michigan, making it an incredibly localized native species. This extremely limited geographic distribution is part of what makes it so special and so rare.
The Rarity Factor: Why This Matters
Before you start planning where to plant Davis’ plum in your garden, there’s something important you need to know. This variety has a Global Conservation Status of S4T3Q, which indicates it’s quite rare. While the exact definition of this status code isn’t entirely clear, the rarity is undeniable.
What does this mean for gardeners? If you’re lucky enough to find Davis’ plum available for planting, make absolutely sure you’re getting it from a responsible, ethical source. Never collect plants from wild populations – this could harm already vulnerable native communities.
The Information Gap Challenge
Here’s where we need to be honest with you: reliable information about Davis’ plum’s specific growing requirements, wildlife benefits, and landscape uses is surprisingly hard to come by. This isn’t unusual for extremely rare native varieties – sometimes they’re so uncommon that detailed cultivation information simply doesn’t exist in standard gardening resources.
Should You Grow Davis’ Plum?
Given its rarity status, Davis’ plum presents a unique opportunity for dedicated native plant gardeners who want to support Michigan’s botanical heritage. However, this comes with important caveats:
- Only source plants from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify ethical propagation
- Consider this plant for conservation-minded gardens rather than typical landscape applications
- Be prepared for limited growing information and potential trial-and-error cultivation
- Connect with local native plant societies or botanical experts who might have experience with rare Michigan natives
Alternative Native Options
If you’re interested in native Prunus species but can’t find Davis’ plum, consider these more readily available Michigan natives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild black cherry (Prunus serotina)
- Choke cherry (Prunus virginiana)
- Sand cherry (Prunus pumila)
These alternatives will give you the native Prunus experience with much better availability and established growing information.
The Bottom Line
Davis’ plum represents the fascinating world of rare native plants that exist at the margins of our botanical knowledge. While growing it successfully might require patience and detective work, supporting rare natives like this one contributes to preserving Michigan’s unique plant heritage. Just remember – rarity means responsibility, so always choose ethical sourcing if you decide to add this mysterious Michigan native to your garden.
