Chinese plum (Prunus salicina)

Chinese plum

Chinese plum is native to China but is also grown in fruit orchards in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Australia, and the United States. A drupe is produced as the fruit and can be eaten raw. Different varieties of the Prunus salicina are cultivated in China, with some also being hybrid species. Many of the fresh plums sold in North America are cultivars of chinese plum.

Scientific classification

Species

Chinese plum (Prunus salicina)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring, Late winter

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

9 m to 12 m

Plant Height

4.5 m to 9 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Red, Purple, Gold, Pink

Fruit Color

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Chinese plum

Distribution of Chinese plum

Distribution Map

Chinese plum is native to temperate regions of East Asia, where it thrives in a broad range spanning from the southeastern areas of the Asian continent to its eastern edge. The plant has been introduced and is cultivated in parts of Central Asia and South America, as well as in countries that lay on both sides of the Pacific, stretching its presence from the northeastern to the southeastern extremities of Asia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Sparse forests, Forest margins, Scrub, Streams

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Symbolism

Healing

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Chinese plum, including the following common varieties :

Chinese plum 'Toka'Chinese plum 'Ozark Premier'Chinese plum 'Methley'

Toxicity

Chinese plum poses a mild toxicity risk to humans, cats, and dogs primarily through ingestion of its seeds containing hydrogen cyanide. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath in humans, and vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if ingestion occurs.

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Quickly Identify Chinese plum

Petite deciduous tree with abundant white or pink blossoms before leaves emerge.

Leaves are glossy green, 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) long, serrated, and ovate to elliptic.

Fruit is a smooth-skinned drupe, red to yellow, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in diameter.

Flowers have 5 white star-shaped petals, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, with yellow stamens.

Distinctive mild fragrance attracts pollinators, marking start of growing season.

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Care Guide for Chinese plum

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from a region with wet and dry seasons, chinese plum exhibits moderate drought tolerance and requires watering every two weeks. Thriving outdoors, it benefits from natural rain patterns during the growing season, reflecting its native habitat's water availability fluctuations.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of chinese plum, use a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applying it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce frequency in autumn to support dormancy, ensuring careful dosing to avoid root burn, which enhances vigor, flowering, and fruit production.

Pruning: Chinese plum thrives with late winter pruning, which includes removing dead branches, thinning crowded areas, and trimming long branches to boost fruiting. Shaping the plant when young establishes a robust structure, ultimately enhancing fruit yield and overall health, making pruning an essential gardening practice.

Propagation: Chinese plum propagation involves sowing fresh seeds in well-draining soil. Pre-treating seeds and maintaining consistent moisture boosts germination. Once seedlings mature, transplant them into individual pots, gradually acclimatizing to outdoor conditions before their final planting.

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Images of Chinese plum

Distribution of Chinese plum

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Chinese plum

Care Guide for Chinese plum

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