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Prunus domestica
European plum
Caucasus region, western Asia (hybrid cultigen)
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Overview
Prunus domestica is a deciduous fruit tree reaching 15-20 feet (4.6-6 m) tall with a spread of 12-18 feet (3.7-5.5 m), developing a rounded to oval crown. This is a complex hybrid species of ancient origin, with parentage involving Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) and Prunus cerasifera (cherry plum), cultivated for at least 2,000 years. Bark is grayish-brown, developing shallow furrows and scaly plates with age. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval to elliptic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with finely serrate margins and a slightly rugose upper surface. Flowers are white, five-petaled, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across, borne in clusters of 2-3 on short spur branches in March to April before or concurrent with leaf emergence. Most European plum cultivars are self-fertile or partially self-fertile, unlike Japanese plums (Prunus salicina), which require cross-pollination. Fruit is a drupe, oval to oblong, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, varying in color from green-yellow to purple-black depending on cultivar. Fruit ripens from July through September. Cultivars are broadly divided into dessert plums (eaten fresh), prune plums (high sugar for drying), and dual-purpose types. Trees require 700-1,000 chill hours below 45°F (7°C). Growth rate is moderate at 12-18 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Brown rot (Monilinia fructicola), bacterial canker, plum curculio, and aphids are the primary pest and disease concerns.
Native Range
Prunus domestica is a cultigen of hybrid origin, descended primarily from Prunus spinosa and Prunus cerasifera in the Caucasus region of western Asia. Cultivated since at least the Roman period. Wild-type populations no longer exist; the species persists only in cultivation and as naturalized escapes in hedgerows and roadsides across Europe.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in home orchards, kitchen gardens, and small-scale agricultural settings. Space 18-22 feet (5.5-6.7 m) apart for standard trees. Self-fertile cultivars can be planted as single specimens. Pacific Northwest-adapted cultivars include 'Italian' (prune type), 'Stanley', 'Seneca', and 'Brooks'. Fruit used fresh, dried (prunes), canned, and in preserves. Ornamental spring bloom and fall fruit provide seasonal interest in edible landscapes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 20'
Width/Spread12' - 18'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
White flowers appear in March to April, before or concurrent with leaf emergence, lasting 1-2 weeks. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically occurs in late March to early April. Most cultivars are self-fertile, though cross-pollination with another European plum cultivar blooming at the same time increases fruit set and size. Late spring frosts during bloom can reduce fruit set.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium green, slightly rugoseGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons. Established trees require 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water per week during fruit development from May through harvest. Plant in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct light. Space standard trees 18-22 feet (5.5-6.7 m) apart. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before bud break; avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting. Thin fruit in June when fruitlets are marble-sized, to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart, to improve fruit size and reduce limb breakage. Brown rot is the primary disease in the Pacific Northwest; preventive fungicide applications during bloom and pre-harvest periods reduce losses. Bacterial canker causes branch dieback; prune only during dry weather. Aphids and plum sawfly may affect developing fruit.Pruning
Prune in midsummer (June through July) during dry weather in the Pacific Northwest to reduce bacterial canker risk. Establish an open center (vase) training system in young trees during the first 3-5 years. Remove water sprouts, crossing branches, and inward-growing wood annually. Maintain an open canopy for air circulation and light penetration, which reduces brown rot and improves fruit quality. Spur renewal pruning on older trees maintains productivity.Pruning Schedule
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