Plum Tree Facts

Plum trees yield plums that are green, red, violet, dark purple and even blue. Some plum trees do not even need to be pollinated, but are called self-pollinators. Japanese plums require pollination, where the European varieties can self-pollinate.

Types

There are two main types of plums, European and Japanese. European plums are sweeter and ideal for jams and prunes, where Japanese plums are ideal for fresh fruit.

Origin

According to Luther Burbank, who was an American pomologist (one who studies fruit cultivation), the European plum tree originated from the Caucasus Mountains, where the Japanese Plum tree grows wild in Japan.

Varieties

There are more than 200 different varieties of Plum tree. Some interesting specimens include the Blue Tit Plum, which yields a blue plum, and the Denniston's Superb, which yields a green plum with a red flush.

Geography

Plum trees prefer areas of full sun, although partial shade will not hurt them. They prefer moist soil that isn't flooded, and need to be away from other trees so they don't compete for moisture.

Benefits

One cup of sliced plums contains 26 percent of your daily recommended intake, or daily value, of vitamin C, 13 percent of vitamin K, 11 percent for vitamin A, and contains 2 g of dietary fiber and is fat- and cholesterol-free.

References

• Nature Hills Nursury.com: Plum Trees
• Origin and Histories of Plum Trees
• How to Plant a Plum Tree

Resources

• Plum Tree Varieties
• NutritionData.com--Plums