Merryweather Damson Prunus insititia 'Merryweather Damson' (C)
ABOUT
The Merryweather Damson is a fruit-bearing tree known for its attractive spring blossoms and its tart, edible purple-blue fruits. In spring, it produces an abundance of small, five-petaled white flowers that give the tree a vibrant and decorative appearance. These flowers are arrayed in clusters, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of the tree’s green foliage. As the growing season progresses, these flowers give way to the damson plums, which are a distinctive feature of the Merryweather Damson. The fruits are oval-shaped with a smooth, glossy skin that takes on a deep purple-blue hue when fully ripe. Each plum contains a single hard stone in its center. The leaves of the Merryweather Damson are simple and ovate with a pointed tip and toothed edges. The foliage is generally a rich green color, which complements the dark tone of the ripe fruit. The leaves turn yellow before falling off as the tree goes dormant in autumn. Overall, the Merryweather Damson has an attractive, rounded growth habit, and its appearance throughout the seasons – from the spring blossoms to the summer fruits and the autumnal leaf color – makes it a popular choice for both its aesthetic qualities and its flavorful fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Merryweather Damson, Damson Plum, Damask Plum
Common names
Prunus insititia 'Merryweather Damson'
ToxicityTo humans
The Merryweather Damson is not toxic to humans when the fruit is ripe and consumed in normal food quantities. However, as with other stone fruits, the seeds or pits contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. If the seeds are crushed and consumed in large quantities, this can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, and potentially fatal respiratory failure. It is generally safe to eat the fruit pulp, but caution should be exercised to avoid consuming the seeds.
To pets
Merryweather Damson, like other stone fruits, can be toxic to pets if the seeds or pits are ingested. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when metabolized by the body. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, convulsions, and shock. It is crucial to prevent pets from chewing on the seeds or pits, as even small quantities can be harmful. The fruit flesh is not toxic, but ingestion of stems, leaves, or seeds should be avoided.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12 feet (3.66 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.04 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value - The Damson produces beautiful white flowers in spring, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Fruit Production - The tree bears edible fruits used for preserves, jams, and culinary purposes.
- Pollinator Friendly - It attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Wildlife Habitat - Provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife species.
- Hardiness - Adapted to a wide range of climates and can tolerate frost, making it resilient in varied environments.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, it requires minimal care compared to other fruit trees.
- Seasonal Interest - Offers year-round visual interest with spring blossoms, summer fruits, and autumn foliage.
Medical Properties- Vitamin C Source: The fruit of the Damson is known to contain Vitamin C, which is beneficial for immune support and skin health.
- Antioxidants: Damsons possess antioxidants that may help in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Digestive Aid: The fruit has been traditionally used to aid digestion and may help in alleviating constipation.
- Astringent Properties: The astringent nature of Damson plums can be helpful in treating minor throat irritations.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dyeing fabric - The skin of damsons contains a natural dye that can be used to tint fabrics a soft, bluish-purple hue.
- Ink making - Similar to the dye properties, the damson can be boiled and reduced to create a homemade vegetable ink for writing or drawing.
- Woodworking - Damson wood, while not commonly used, can be crafted into small wooden objects like handles, knobs, or inlay work due to its fine grain and hardness.
- Natural pest deterrent - The leaves of damson plants have been used as a traditional remedy to repel insects in gardens and stored grains.
- Floral arrangements - Branches of the damson tree, particularly when in bloom or bearing fruit, can be used for decorative floral arrangements.
- Baits for trap fishing - Damsons can be used as bait in certain types of trap fishing due to their strong smell and ability to disintegrate in water, attracting fish.
- Animal feed - In some rural areas, damsons, especially those that are not commercially viable, may be used to feed pigs and other farm animals.
- Photography - The juice of damsons can be used in the process of anthotype photography, where it acts as a light-sensitive emulsion to create images on paper.
- Candle making - The scent of damsons can be extracted and used to create scented candles with a sweet, fruity aroma.
- Traditional musical instruments - The small and strong pits of the damson fruits are sometimes used in making rattles or as additions to musical instruments for sound effects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Damson is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Damson is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The damson is known for its hardy nature and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, symbolizing an individual's resilience and perseverance in tough times.
- Fertility: As a fruit-bearing tree, the damson often represents fertility and the potential for new growth, both physically and creatively.
- Renewal: In line with many other fruit trees, the damson blooms in spring, making it a symbol of renewal and the cycle of life.
- Providence: Historically, the damson's abundant fruit harvest has been associated with providence and the idea of nature offering sustenance and resources.
- Protection: Some cultures believe fruit trees like the damson offer protection and are planted near homes for this very purpose, both in a spiritual and practical sense, as they attract beneficial wildlife.
WaterMerryweather Damson trees should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons of water for young trees. Mature trees typically require less frequent watering but in larger volumes, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the growing season, if there hasn't been significant rainfall, water the tree every 10 to 14 days. During winter, watering can be reduced significantly, as the plant will be dormant and the cooler temperatures reduce the rate of soil drying.
LightMerryweather Damson trees thrive best in full sun, which means they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but this may reduce fruit yield and quality. The optimal spot would ensure unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day, preferably morning sun, which is less intense and helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureMerryweather Damson trees are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy. They grow best in a temperate climate with an ideal growing temperature ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These trees should not be exposed to sudden frosts, especially during the blooming period, as this can damage the flowers and potential fruit set.
PruningPruning Merryweather Damson trees is important to maintain a strong structure, encourage healthy growth, and ensure good fruit production. They should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the canopy. Thin out older branches to allow new shoots to develop, which will bear fruit in subsequent years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMerryweather Damson trees thrive best in a well-drained loam soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. A balanced mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite is ideal. Regularly test and amend the soil to maintain the pH and nutrients required for optimal growth.
RepottingMerryweather Damson trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they become root-bound. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingMerryweather Damson trees are adaptable to a range of humidity levels and do well in the average outdoor humidity in their growing zones. They do not have specific humidity requirements, making them versatile for different climate conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, sheltered from strong winds, and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleMerryweather Damson begins its life cycle as a dormant bare root plant or from a seed within the fruit. Once planted, it breaks dormancy in spring when temperatures rise and daylight increases, producing new shoots and leaves. This deciduous tree then enters a rapid vegetative growth phase where it develops a sturdy trunk and branching system. Flowering occurs in early spring, with the tree producing small white blossoms that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of purple-blue damson plums in late summer to early fall. After fruiting, the tree redirects energy to root and shoot growth before leaves yellow and drop with the onset of autumn, entering dormancy during the winter months. This cycle repeats annually, with the tree potentially living and fruiting for several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Prunus insititia 'Merryweather', or commonly known as Merryweather Damson, is often propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method for this type of fruit tree. Grafting involves joining a scion, which is a cutting from a mature plant, to a rootstock, which is a separate plant with an established root system. For the Merryweather Damson, this is usually done in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. The scion, typically around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, is selected for its fruit-producing potential, and the rootstock is chosen for its adaptability to soil and resistance to pests and diseases. A common grafting technique used is the whip and tongue graft, where matching diagonal cuts are made in both the scion and the rootstock, they are then joined together so that the cambium layers (the growing part of the stem) match up, and the joint is secured with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and disease while the graft heals. Grafting not only perpetuates the desirable fruit characteristics of the Merryweather Damson but also allows growers to use rootstocks that limit tree size or improve hardiness.
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