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Prunus salicina - Lindl.

Common Name Japanese Plum
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 5-8
Known Hazards Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Habitats Sparse forests, forest margins, scrub, along trails in mountains, beside streams in valleys, thickets at elevations of 200 - 2600 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Prunus salicina Japanese Plum


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Prunus salicina Japanese Plum
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Summary

Bloom Color: Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Prunus salicina is a deciduous Tree growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

P. triflora.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit  Seed
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 171]. The fruit ripens early[74]. A unique taste[74]. Sweet and juicy, it can be eaten out of hand, made into pies, preserves etc, or be dried for later use[183]. The fruit is very resistant to rotting[74]. The plum-shaped fruit is up to 7cm long and contains one large seed[200]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Stomachic

The fruit is stomachic[240]. It is said to be good for allaying thirst and is given in the treatment of arthritis[240]. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168 ]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168 ]. Wild populations of this species are primary genetic relatives of the cultivated Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina) and they also belong to the secondary Gene Pool of the Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Myrobalan Plum (Prunus cerasifera) and Peach (Prunus persica). As a result, this species has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement[338 ]. Espalier: tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).

Special Uses

Espalier  Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[11, 200]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[11, 200]. This species does not grow well in Britain, the summers are not warm enough to properly ripen the wood and the springs are too unpredictable for the flowers to be fertilized[11]. An important temperate fruit tree, it is widely cultivated in China and other regions of Asia for its edible fruit, and is being increasingly grown in N. America[266]. There are several named varieties[46, 58, 183]. This species does not cross-pollinate with the English plum, P. domestica[200]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[238]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Blooms are very showy. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. A sprouting standard sending up shoots from the base [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[200]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[11, 200]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[200]. Layering in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Lindl.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

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Readers comment

Donald M. Maze   Sat Apr 26 01:57:21 2003

This tree, Prunus salicina, had the common name of Santa Rosa Plum at the vendor where I purchased it. Bailey's Manual of Cultivated Plants calls it the Japanese Plum even though it is native to China.

Jean C. Fisher   Fri May 21 23:09:14 2004

The "Santa Rosa Plum" was the hybrid invention of Luther Burbank (1849-1926).

It was developed by him in the 1880s from Japanese, European and American plum stocks and named after the town in which Burbank lived, Santa Rosa California USA.

debi daniels   Mon May 19 2008

I live in Alaska, where it is zone 3. I use the pr. salicina regularily for rootstock. Mr Lamers in Fairbands, zone 2 also uses them. I don't think zome 6 is accurate.

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