Appearance

Growth form

A small deciduous tree, usually 20–40 ft (6–12 m) tall.

Leaves

Oblong to oval, 2.5–4.5 in (6–12 cm) long, with rounded, double teeth along the edges. The species name salicina means "willow-like," for its narrow leaves.

Flowers

White, five-petaled flowers about ¾ in (2 cm) across, usually in clusters of three from each bud.

Flowering time

March to April, before or with the new leaves. Early bloomers can be hit by late frosts.

Fruit

Round to heart-shaped plums about 1.5–2 in (3.5–5 cm) across, with yellow, red, green, or purple skin and juicy yellow to pinkish flesh. They ripen in July and August.

Look-alikes

Japanese apricotPrunus mume

Japanese apricot blooms much earlier, in mid to late winter, and its flowers have a strong, sweet scent. Japanese plum blooms in spring with clusters of about three flowers per bud.

Why they get mixed up · Both are early white-flowering fruit trees, and both are sometimes called "Chinese plum."

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Orchards
• Home gardens

Range

Native to China, Taiwan, and nearby parts of Southeast Asia. In the US it is grown as a fruit tree in orchards and home gardens.

Preferred conditions

Hardy in USDA zones 5–8 (some varieties tolerate 4–9). Grows in full sun to partial shade.

Flowering

Flowers Mar–Apr

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Flowers

Flowers Mar–Apr

Growing it

Care

Most varieties can't pollinate themselves, so plant two compatible varieties for a good crop.

Toxicity

The pits and leaves contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide. Don't crush or eat the pits.

Connected species

Close relatives

• American plumPrunus americana

  A native US plum that breeders have crossed with Japanese plum to make hybrids like 'Bubblegum'.

• European plumPrunus domestica

  The other main plum species, often dried as prunes; Japanese plums tend to be larger and more aromatic.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Nearly all plums sold in the US are named varieties rather than the wild tree. 'Methley' is a popular one for home gardens because it can set fruit without a second variety.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction