Ground Plum

About Ground Plum

Ground Plum is a charming and resilient native legume that brings early-season interest to the prairie floor. This low-growing, sprawling perennial typically reaches only 4 to 20 inches in height but makes up for its size with beautiful clusters of purple to lavender flowers that bloom in early spring (April to June). Following the flowers, the plant produces large, fleshy, plum-like seed pods that turn reddish-purple as they mature, providing a unique visual element. Native to the Great Plains, it is perfectly suited for full sun and dry, well-drained soils, often found in rocky or sandy prairies. It is an important early nectar source for bees and is the host plant for the Afranius Duskywing butterfly. The 'plums' are edible but should be consumed with caution and proper identification. For best germination, the hard seeds should be scarified or nicked before being sown.