Prunus subcordata is an erect deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 8 meters (26 feet) in height with a trunk diameter of up to 15 centimeters (6 inches).

The bark is gray with horizontal brown lenticels, similar in appearance to that of the cultivated cherry tree.

The leaves are 2.5–6 cm (1–2+1⁄2 in) long[3] with a 4–15 millimeters (1⁄8–5⁄8 in) petiole, dark green, turning red before falling, and faintly toothed.

The fruit is a small, plum-like drupe, variable in appearance, 15–25 mm (5⁄8–1 in) in length, and may be red or yellow; they mature in late summer.

[7][8] Prunus americana (American or wild plum) is found in the eastern United States.