Damson Plum Tree

Damson plum tree

Let's start with the basics: first and foremost, plums tend to be predominantly round, whereas damsons are characterised by an oblong-oval shape. But an even more obvious differentiating feature is that plums have a pronounced, grooved longitudinal seam, whereas the same seam on damsons is far more difficult to see.

Is Damson plum self pollinating?

Damson plums are self-fertile, meaning each tree can pollinate its own flowers to produce fruit, although some cultivars may produce better if another European plum with the same flowering time is nearby.

How tall does a Damson plum tree grow?

Mature Size. The standard Damson plum grows to a height of around 20' and a spread of around 20' at maturity. The dwarf variety grows to a height of around 10' with a spread of up to 10'.

Do damsons grow in the US?

Growing Damson plum trees is suitable in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. If you're thinking about growing Damson plum trees, you need a spot where the tree receives at least six to eight hours of full sunlight per day.

What are damsons called in America?

At the same time, Methley plums provide delicious rich plum flavor. Damson plums, also known as Prunus Institia, give you a little of both worlds. They provide you with beautiful spring colors and provide you with a useable plum in your cooking recipes.

Can you eat damsons off the tree?

Damsons are a really reliable fruit and reward the gardener with a good harvest of delicious plump fruit for eating straight from the tree or making into jams, pies and crumbles.

Can you eat damson plums raw?

Damsons are quite a sour fruit and are not particularly good for eating raw, but when it comes to cooking, they are absolutely perfect. For the likes of jams, crumble, cobbler or a medley of roasted autumn fruits, the Damson really takes center stage at this time of the year.

What do damsons taste like?

A small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong, sour flavour, damsons are similar to plums and a member of the rose family. They have a large stone and are often juicy, but tend not be eaten raw due to the tartness of the flesh.

Are damsons poisonous to dogs?

The flesh of damsons is considered safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. However, they can be harmful to dogs because of their stones. When chewed, they release cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. The stones can cause intestinal obstruction.

What month do you pick damsons?

Damsons ripen towards the end of August and are usually available from 20/08 to 10/09 for picking. They can of course last longer if kept refrigerated. Damsons can best be described as small plums. They grow with a blue hue which rubs off to reveal a deep purple fruit when ripe.

Are damsons easy to grow?

They are easy to grow and maintain, and this is perhaps why damsons have seen a resurgence of interest by consumers in the last couple of years. Plentiful from August to October, the damson is a tasty ingredient for jams and gins alike!

Where can I find damsons?

Damsons are a member of the plum family, frequently found in hedgerows, parks, woodlands and gardens in September and October. The fruit is slightly bigger than a large grape and resembles small plums.

What are Damson plums good for?

Damson plums are considered a fruit with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as vitamins (A, C, and E). They also contain other compounds, which contribute to their antioxidant capacity, helping remove or neutralise free radicals that can cause cellular damage to humans.

Are damsons a laxative?

Damson – Prunus domestica It is a wild plum and is naturally sweet and the shrub is thornless too so not a painful experience collecting the fruits. Plums are again rich in vitamin C which helps boost the immune system. They also contain sorbitol which helps regulate the digestive system,meme it's use as a laxative!!!

Do damson stones contain cyanide?

Damson stones contain the cyagenic glycoside amygdaline, a toxin that can lead to cyanide poisoning if taken in quantity (how much?) – don't eat lots of damson stones, and don't get any Walter White 'crystal damson' lab ideas!

How long does it take for a damson tree to fruit?

Damsons are not difficult to grow. They will come true from a stone and will produce fruit within 15 years. Alternatively, you can buy a tree grafted on to a rootstock that will control the amount of growth.

Are Damson plums the same as Italian prune plums?

Damson plums (also called Italian prune plums or Empress Plums) for Austrian plum cake.

Do Damson plums ripen off the tree?

Storage tips: Plums will continue to ripen off the tree. Place ripe fruit in the fridge right away, and let unripe fruit ripen on the counter or in a paper bag. Be careful to check on ripening plums — they can go quickly from unripe to overripe.

How do you get stones out of damsons for jam?

DAMSON STONES Damsons are clingstone fruit, with flesh that clings to the stone making them hard to remove. If you don't like the idea of leaving stones in, you can cut down the length of the damson and twist, then use a knife to lever the stone out.