This tree species appears to be relatively widespread in eastern Asia, although there is a lack of information regarding its distribution, population size and trend. It is assumed, however, to have a large population, is not currently thought to be experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. This species is therefore assessed as Least Concern. Some in situ monitoring is in place in China and a small number of wild accessions are held ex situ. However, the species would benefit from more research into the species' demographics and also from additional collection of wild germplasm for storage in gene banks.

Prunus mume is native to China (Sichuan and Yunnan), and may be native to Lao PDR and Viet Nam. It is also naturalized in Japan. It is cultivated in China, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resource Program 2013, POWO 2025). It occurs at elevations between 1,700 m and 3,100 m asl (eFloras 2012).

No population information is available for this species.

Armeniaca mume is found on forested slopes, in sparse forests, along stream sides, on slopes along trails, on mountains, and is also commonly cultivated. The species is a tree reaching 4–10 m in height (eFloras 2012).

This species is susceptible to several pests and diseases including Verticillium wilt (a soil-borne fungal disease), aphids, borers, scale insects, spider mites and honey fungus (RBG Kew 2013). There are several known threats to the forests of China, however, it is unknown whether these have a direct effect on Prunus mume. The threats to China's forests include illegal logging and legal deforestation due to increasing population pressures and urbanization. Air and water pollution are also having a detrimental effect on China's forests (USDA Forest Service 2013).

This is an extremely popular ornamental tree in China and Japan, including utilisation as an ornamental for environmental improvement. Many cultivars have been developed. It is often grown as a bonsai and is considered an essential plant for every Japanese-style garden. 

It is also grown for its edible fruits which are sold fresh (usually under the name 'umeboshi plum') or is sold smoked or salted or as preserved fruits which according to local folklore are used for medicinal purposes to treat bronchitis, chronic coughs, indigestion and other ailments. Medicinal potential lies in developing an oral antimicrobial agent to control or prevent dental diseases associated with certain oral pathogenic bacteria (Seneviratne et al. 2011) and it may also inhibit bacteria associated with gastritis and gastric ulcers (Miyazawa et al. 2006). It is also used as a beverage base for human consumption: the flowers are used to flavour tea. It is also used for the production of beads.

The closest relative of this species is the Apricot (Prunus armenica), of which it is a secondary genetic relative and so it has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement, including for traits which confer disease resistance (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2013).

Prunus mume occurs in the Xishuangbanna and Dinghushan nature reserves of China, where regular monitoring occurs. However, the distribution and population size of the species is not reported (Information Centre for the Environment (ICE) 2000).
A total of 15 germplasm accessions are held by the National Plant Germplasm System, only two of which are of wild origin and none of which are duplicated at a second site (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2013). Furthermore, according to Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI 2013), 38 living collections of Prunus mume and four collections of Armeniaca mume (a synonym) are present in botanic gardens worldwide (to protect rare and endangered plants, further details of collections are not given in this resource).