Graves’ Plum: A Rare Connecticut Native Worth Knowing About
Meet Graves’ plum (Prunus maritima var. gravesii), one of the most elusive native plants you’ve probably never heard of. This rare variety of beach plum has a story that’s equal parts fascinating and mysterious, making it a true treasure for native plant enthusiasts who love a good botanical puzzle.
What Makes Graves’ Plum Special?
Graves’ plum is a perennial shrub that’s part of the larger beach plum family. Like its more common relatives, it’s a multi-stemmed woody plant that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, though it usually grows much smaller. What sets this variety apart is its incredibly limited range – it’s only been documented in Connecticut, making it one of the state’s most geographically restricted native plants.
This shrub was named after its discoverer and has the botanical synonym Prunus gravesii Small, giving us a clue about its scientific recognition as a distinct variety.
Where Does It Grow?
Graves’ plum is native to the lower 48 states, but specifically calls Connecticut home. Its extremely limited distribution makes it a true New England specialty that you won’t find growing wild anywhere else in the country.
The Mystery of Growing Graves’ Plum
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for eager gardeners): reliable information about growing conditions, care requirements, and availability of Graves’ plum is extremely scarce. This rarity suggests the variety may be of significant conservation concern, or possibly even extinct in the wild.
Without specific data on its growing preferences, USDA hardiness zones, or cultivation requirements, attempting to grow this particular variety becomes quite challenging for the average gardener.
Should You Try to Grow It?
While the idea of growing such a rare native plant might be appealing, there are some important considerations:
- The extreme rarity means finding legitimate, responsibly-sourced plants would be nearly impossible
- Without clear growing instructions, success rates would be uncertain
- If any plants are available, they should only be obtained from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs
A Better Alternative: Regular Beach Plum
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing a native plum, consider the more widely available beach plum (Prunus maritima). This close relative offers many of the same benefits:
- Beautiful spring flowers that attract pollinators
- Edible fruits that wildlife (and humans) enjoy
- Excellent salt tolerance for coastal gardens
- Low-maintenance once established
- Four-season interest with flowers, fruit, and fall color
The Conservation Angle
Plants like Graves’ plum remind us why native plant conservation matters. When varieties have such restricted ranges, they become vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental pressures. By supporting native plant nurseries and conservation efforts, gardeners can play a role in protecting these botanical treasures for future generations.
The Bottom Line
While Graves’ plum remains an intriguing piece of Connecticut’s natural heritage, it’s not a practical choice for most gardeners due to its rarity and lack of available cultivation information. Instead, consider celebrating Connecticut’s native flora by planting the more accessible beach plum or other native alternatives that offer similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
Sometimes the most responsible way to appreciate a rare plant is to admire it from afar while supporting broader native plant gardening efforts in our own backyards.
