Austin in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

American Plum; Wild Plum

Prunus americana

— Native to North America —

American Plum; Wild Plum Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 10, 2026

1. American Plum; Wild Plum Marker

Inscription. Produces small fruit which turn red when ripe. Flesh of fruit is sweet; skins are tart or sour. Plums make a great jam jelly and are delicious eaten fresh.

Wild Plums were widely cultivated by indigenous people, especially east of the Mississippi River. Before colonization and industrial agriculture, Wild Plums would have naturally grown in prairies, shrub/scrubland thickets, wetlands, and open savannas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 41° 53.15′ N, 87° 46.338′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Austin. It is on West Fulton Avenue west of North Mayfield Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker is in the Mayfield Community Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 North Mayfield Avenue, Chicago IL 60644, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

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in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Quince (here, next to this marker); Tart Cherry: Romeo (a few steps from this marker); Tart Cherry: Juliette (a few steps from this marker); Mulberry: Illinois Everbearing (a few steps from this marker); Serviceberry; Juneberry (a few steps from this marker); Cornelian Cherry (a few steps from this marker); Third Unitarian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Austin VFW Post 2955 War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The marker is one of several accompanying the plants in the Mayfield Community Garden, which is operated by Third Unitarian Church. The church itself, which worships in a Chicago Landmark building, is across the street.

Also see . . .
1. Mayfield Community Garden (Facebook). (Submitted on August 11, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Prunus americana.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 10, 2026

2. American Plum; Wild Plum Marker

From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (Submitted on August 11, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Mayfield Community Garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 10, 2026

3. Mayfield Community Garden

The garden is operated by Third Unitarian Church, which is across the street (behind the bushes in the background).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.