Shrub to 2.5 m (8 ft) in height. Twigs red to gray, slender, glabrous. Leaves alternate, simple; ovate to oblong, 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 in) long; glabrous above, slightly pubescent beneath; rounded at base; acuminate at apex; margins glandular-serrate. Inflorescence a cluster of 2-5 flowers or a solitary flower about 13 mm (0.5 in) in width; calyx with five sepals; petals 5, white, imbricate; styles simple; stamens numerous; flowers appear in March, before or as the leaves emerge. Fruit a drupe, 13-25 mm (0.5-1 in) in diameter, subglobose, bright red; stone large and smooth; fruits mature in June.
Distribution: Oklahoma, Texas. Uncommon in Okahoma.
Habitat: woodland margins on floodplains.
Comment: Prunus is the Latin name for plum; rivularis refers to the streambank habitat.
Food use: rarely used in cookery.
NWI status: none
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/15/99
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