Damson Prunus insititia (F)
ABOUT
Prunus insititia, commonly known as the damson, is a deciduous tree or large shrub with a spreading habit. It's identifiable by its slender branches and twigs, which are often covered in lichens. The bark is typically dark brown and develops shallow grooves with age, while the younger twigs may have a smoother, greenish appearance. The leaves of the damson are simple and ovate, with a pointed tip and serrated edges. They are arranged alternately along the branches, creating a dense canopy of bright green foliage that turns yellow or red before falling in the autumn. Springtime brings clusters of dainty white or pale pink flowers that emerge along the branches, sometimes appearing before the leaves fully unfurl. Each flower, with its five rounded petals, is a welcoming sight for pollinators. After flowering, the damson bears small, oval-shaped fruits with a smooth, often blue or purple skin and a waxy coating called the bloom. These fruits contain a large stone in the center and have tangy, yellow flesh. When ripe, they are commonly used for culinary purposes, appreciated for their bittersweet flavor profile.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Damson, Damascene, Damask Plum, Insititia, Bullace, Mirabelle.
Common names
Prunus domestica subsp. insititia (L.) Bonnier & Layens, Prunus insititia var. syriaca (Borkh.) C.K.Schneid., Prunus insititia var. insititia, Prunus syriaca Borkh., Prunus domestica var. insititia (L.) Poir., Druparia insititia (L.) Clairv., Druparia insititia Clairv.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Prunus insititia is the damson. Damson trees, like other members of the Prunus genus, contain cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in their leaves, stems, and seeds (pits). These compounds can convert to hydrogen cyanide when ingested, which is a potentially toxic substance. Humans should avoid consuming the leaves, stems, and seeds of the damson tree. Pits, in particular, should not be crushed or chewed. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure leading to death. The fruit flesh itself is safe to eat when ripe.
To pets
The most common common name for Prunus insititia is the damson. Damson trees can pose a risk to pets if they ingest parts of the plant that contain cyanogenic glycosides, mainly the leaves, stems, and particularly the seeds (pits). When pets chew or break the pits, or consume other parts of the plant, the compounds may release hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include panting, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock, which, if left untreated, can be fatal. It is crucial to prevent pets from accessing these parts of the damson tree. The fruit flesh itself is typically not toxic when ripe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12 feet [3.66 meters]
Spread
10 feet [3.05 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Prunus insititia, commonly known as damson, is a source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.
- Culinary Uses: Damsons are used in various culinary preparations, such as jams, jellies, and preserves, as well as in baking and cooking for their tart flavor.
- Ecosystem Support: Damson trees provide habitat and food for a range of animals, including birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Ornamental Value: With its spring blossoms and autumn fruit, the damson tree is valued for its aesthetic contribution to gardens and landscapes.
- Sustainable Farming: As a hardy species, damson trees can be incorporated into sustainable agriculture practices, often requiring less maintenance and fewer pesticides than other fruit crops.
- Soil Improvement: The tree contributes to soil health by preventing erosion and potentially improving soil fertility through leaf litter and root biomass.
- Cultural Significance: Damsons have a cultural heritage in many regions, often associated with local traditions and seasonal celebrations.
Medical Properties- Antidiarrheal: Prunus insititia, commonly known as damson, has been used to treat diarrhea due to its astringent properties.
- Gastrointestinal health: The fruit may help in maintaining gastrointestinal health and can be used for the relief of indigestion.
- Antioxidant: Damsons contain antioxidants which can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which might be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prunus insititia, commonly known as damson, can be used for dyeing textiles. The fruit's skin yields a reddish-purple dye that is useful in textile arts.
- Woodworking: The wood of damson is hard and can be used for turning and small-scale woodworking projects, such as crafting tool handles or inlay work.
- Traditional Inks: The tannins present in the bark and fruit can be used to make natural inks for calligraphy and artwork.
- Eco-friendly Pesticides: Extracts from damson trees have been researched for their potential as natural pesticides against certain agricultural pests.
- Wildlife Attraction: Planting damson trees can help support local wildlife, providing food for birds and insects when other sources are scarce.
- Livestock Forage: The leaves and fruit of damson trees can be used as forage for livestock, particularly pigs, which enjoy eating the fallen fruits.
- Natural Barriers: Farmers and landowners may plant damson as a hedgerow to create natural windbreaks and barriers for livestock.
- Musical Instruments: The dense wood of a damson tree may be used in the construction of certain wooden musical instruments, like recorders or flutes.
- Flavoring Smoking Chips: Damson wood chips can be used for smoking meat to impart a unique fruity flavor.
- Environmental Indicators: Damson trees can sometimes be used by naturalists as bio-indicators to understand the health of an ecosystem based on the presence and condition of the trees.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Damson is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Damson is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal - Prunus insititia, commonly known as Damson, often blooms in spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the coming of new life.
- Purity - The white blossoms of the Damson can symbolize cleanliness and innocence, typically associated with its pure and unblemished flowers.
- Hope - As Damson trees flower even after harsh winters, they are seen as a sign of resilience and the hopeful anticipation of better times.
- Transition - Damson trees can represent change, as they mark a clear and beautiful transition from the bareness of winter to the vitality of spring.
- Provision - Since Damson trees bear fruit, they symbolize abundance and the provision of sustenance, relating to their historical value in agriculture.
WaterDamson plum trees should be watered regularly, particularly during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Newly planted trees require approximately 5 gallons of water per week, while established trees benefit from a deep watering of about 15-20 gallons every two weeks during the growing season. It is best to water the tree at the base, avoiding overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. During the winter or in periods of heavy rainfall, reduce watering significantly to prevent root issues due to excess moisture.
LightDamson plum trees thrive in full sunlight conditions, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production and health. The best spot for planting a damson plum is in a location that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day, away from taller structures or trees that could cast shade.
TemperatureDamson plum trees are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best in zones where winter temperatures do not frequently drop below 0°F. They can withstand cold down to approximately -20°F, but the ideal growing temperature range during the growing season is between 65°F and 75°F. Extreme heat above 95°F can stress the trees, especially without adequate water.
PruningPruning damson plum trees is essential for maintaining their health, encouraging strong growth, and improving fruit production. Prune the tree during its dormancy in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to allow for better air circulation and light penetration. Thinning the canopy also helps in reducing the risk of fungal diseases, and annual pruning keeps the tree's shape more productive and manageable.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDamson plum thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0; amend soil with compost and aged manure for optimal growth.
RepottingDamson plums, being larger fruit trees, are not typically repotted but may require transplanting every few years if initially grown in containers.
Humidity & MistingDamson plums are adaptable but prefer moderate humidity; avoid having too dry or excessively damp air to promote healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Damson plums rarely thrive indoors due to their size and need for pollinators.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide ample space, prune annually, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePrunus insititia, commonly known as damson, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in favorable conditions of soil, moisture, and temperature. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with leaves but no flowers, focusing on accumulating resources and growth. As it matures, the damson plant enters the flowering stage where it produces white blossoms in spring that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The fruits, which are small and plum-like, mature through summer and are typically ready for harvest in late summer or early autumn. Once the fruits are shed or harvested, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. The damson can also propagate vegetatively, where new plants are produced from cuttings or grafts, thus ensuring genetic consistency.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus insititia, commonly known as damson plum, is best propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method. This is typically done in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. The process involves taking a scion, which is a young shoot or twig with dormant buds, from the desired parent plant and attaching it to a rootstock that has been grown specifically for this purpose. The scion is usually cut at a diagonal to expose a larger area of the inner tissue, which is then matched to a correspondingly cut surface on the rootstock. The two are joined tightly together, often with a grafting tape or wax, to prevent desiccation and to hold them in place until the graft union heals and the tissues fuse together, which can take a few weeks to several months depending on the conditions. This method is chosen because it ensures that the resulting fruit will be true to the type of the parent plant, owing to the genetic material being directly transferred through the scion.
