Flowering plums are neither a plum nor an apricot. Prunus mume has beautiful, fragrant, pink or white flowers in late winter that are surprisingly hardy, and develop into small, tart apricot like fruits that can be eaten raw, pickled in salt, or made into jam.

The fruit is alleged to have antibacterial properties and is an aid to digestion. It also helps combat fatigue. Buds and flowers can be eaten and the blossoms are used in scenting tea.

A small, self-fruitful tree, to 10 ft. Hardy to -10°F.