82 HOW TO KNOW WILD FRUITS 



This is a species of more northern range than 

 Prumts Americana. In Canada the fruits are 

 extensively marketed, being used raw or for 

 preserving. The plant occurs in northern New 

 England, but has not been reported in Connecti- 

 cut, and is but occasional in Massachusetts. 

 It flourishes in the St. Lawrence valley and as 

 far west as Lake Manitoba. It follows streams, 

 grows along fences, and springs up in thickets. 



BEACH PLUM 



Prunus maritima Plum Family 



Fruit. — The purplish or red bloom-covered 

 drupe is globular and from one-half to one 

 inch in diameter. It hangs by a slender stem. 

 The stone is thin and sharp on one edge and 

 rounded on the other. It is usually pointed at 

 each end. August, September. 



Leaves. — The ovate or oval leaf has a rounded 

 base and an acute apex. It is finely serrate. 

 The leaves are arranged alternately. They often 

 have one or two glands at the base. Dark red 

 and orange are the autumnal colors. 



Flowers. — The white flowers grow profusely 

 in umbels along the sides of the branches- 



