Cambridge Gage Prunus domestica 'Cambridge Gage' (D)
ABOUT
The 'Cambridge Gage' is a variety of European plum known for its attractive appearance and delicious fruit. This plant produces delicate white flowers, each with five petals, which bloom in the early spring, creating a lovely display against the backdrop of emerging green foliage. As the season progresses, the leaves, which are oval-shaped with a finely serrated edge, develop a lush green color that provides a fresh canvas for the fruit. The plums themselves are the real highlight of this plant. They are medium-sized and take on an oval shape, coming to a slight point at the end opposite the stem. The skin of these plums has a vibrant greenish-yellow hue when ripe and may be covered with a subtle, waxy bloom that gives them a soft, matte look. Beneath the skin, the flesh of the fruit is typically a juicy amber color, and it is known for being very sweet and flavorful, making the 'Cambridge Gage' a delightful choice for fresh eating or culinary uses. In summary, the European plum 'Cambridge Gage' offers a charming display of white spring blossoms, green foliage, and inviting yellow-green plums that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Cambridge Gage, Cambridge Green Gage, Green Gage.
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Cambridge Gage'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as plum is not toxic to humans when the fruit flesh is eaten. However, the pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. If someone consumes crushed or chewed pits, they may experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning. These can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness. In severe cases, ingestion of large quantities of cyanogenic compounds might lead to respiratory failure and death.
To pets
Plum trees, including the 'Cambridge Gage', can be toxic to pets if they ingest the leaves, stems, or pits. These parts of the tree contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can result in cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, consuming large amounts of these cyanogenic compounds can cause coma or death. The fleshy part of the plum fruit is not toxic to pets, but care should be taken to ensure they do not have access to the dangerous parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Spread
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: The Cambridge Gage plum offers essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Culinary Versatility: Frequently used in jams, desserts, and savory dishes, providing a wide range of culinary uses.
- Garden Aesthetics: Its blossoms add beauty in spring, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and helping other plants in the vicinity to flourish.
- Fruit Production: Offers a crop of edible fruits which can be eaten fresh or used in various recipes.
- Shade Provider: As a deciduous tree, it offers shade during the hot summer months while allowing sunlight through in winter.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers food and shelter for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
Medical Properties- Rich in dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.
- Source of vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties and support of the immune system.
- Contains potassium which may contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure.
- Possesses sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can act as a natural laxative.
- Provides anthocyanins and phenolic compounds that have been studied for their potential role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The dark juice from the Cambridge Gage plums can be used as a natural dye for making ink, providing an earthy and unique color for artists and calligraphers.
- Plum Pit Carvings: The hard pits of the plums can be carved into small trinkets, jewelry, or even used as buttons, offering a sustainable use for what would otherwise be waste.
- Eco-friendly Wood Polish: The oil extracted from the fruit's skin can be mixed with beeswax to create a natural wood polish for furniture.
- Natural Adhesive: The sticky properties of the plum's flesh can be reduced down to create a simple, natural glue for light bonding applications.
- Animal Feed: Fallen or overripe plums can be used as feed for livestock, providing a sweet treat as well as nutritional value.
- Plum Wood Smoking Chips: Wood from the Cambridge Gage plum tree can be used to make smoking chips for a unique flavor when barbecuing meats.
- Leather Tanning: The tannins found in the leaves and bark of the plum tree can be used in the tanning process of leather goods.
- Plum Stone Art: The stones can be incorporated into mosaics or decorative pathways in the garden, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional use.
- Fabric Dye: The Cambridge Gage plum can be used to dye fabrics and yarn, imparting them with shades of purple or blue depending on the mordant used.
- Scented Drawer Liners: Dried and crushed Cambridge Gage plum leaves can be placed into small bags to create a natural aromatic for freshening up drawers and cupboards.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe European plum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe European plum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Cambridge Gage, commonly known as European Plum, flowers in the early spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Abundance: With its generous yield of fruit, the European Plum represents abundance and the blessings of the natural world.
- Inheritance: Since European Plum trees can live for many years, they are often seen as a symbol of inheritance and the continuity of family or tradition.
- Fertility: The lush fruitfulness of the European Plum tree is sometimes used to symbolize fertility and fecundity.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, plums are associated with wisdom, especially in regards to knowledge that is passed down through generations.
WaterThe Cambridge Gage plum tree needs to be watered deeply, especially during the first few seasons after planting to establish a solid root system. Water the tree once a week with about 5 gallons of water, making sure to adjust for rainfall and soil type. During the growing season, if there's a prolonged dry spell, increase watering to twice a week. Reduce water quantity to around 3 gallons as the tree matures and relies more on its established roots. Always check that the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
LightCambridge Gage plum trees thrive in full sunlight, which means they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot is an open area away from taller structures or trees that could cast shade on the plum tree. Avoid locations where buildings, fences, or shrubbery will restrict the amount of sunlight, as this can reduce fruit production and affect plant health.
TemperatureThe Cambridge Gage plum tree grows best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F but can handle winter chill down to around 15°F. It is crucial to protect the tree from extreme cold snaps that drop below this range, as it can damage or kill the tree. These plum trees can withstand high temperatures as well, but prolonged exposure to heat above 90°F may stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Cambridge Gage plum tree to encourage healthy growth, increase air circulation, and enhance fruit production. Pruning should occur in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased limbs, thin out crowded branches, and shape the tree to maintain an open center. Pruning every year helps keep the tree productive and manageable.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cambridge Gage, a European plum variety, thrives best in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for this fruit tree. The best soil mix would be a combination of garden soil, compost, and aged manure or a balanced organic fertilizer to provide nutrients.
RepottingThe Cambridge Gage plum tree, being a sizable fruit tree, is not typically repotted. Instead, after initial planting in the ground, it should remain in the same location as it has a large root system that requires ample space to grow.
Humidity & MistingThe Cambridge Gage plum prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels. It is adaptable to the natural humidity present in the environment where it is cultivated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space 20 feet apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Cambridge Gage, a variety of European plum, begins its life cycle when seed germination occurs in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and grows into a juvenile plant, during which time root establishment and shoot development take place. As it matures into an adult plant, it goes through a vegetative stage where it develops strong structural branches, foliage, and a robust root system. Following this, the plant enters the reproductive phase, characterized by the blossoming of white flowers in early spring, which are then pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The fruit, which is greenish-yellow and sweet when ripe, typically matures during late summer. Finally, as part of its perennial growth cycle, the Cambridge Gage will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, shedding its leaves and resting until conditions are favorable again for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer-autumn
Propogation: The European plum, specifically the 'Cambridge Gage', is typically propagated through a process known as grafting, which is most commonly done during the dormant season, either late winter or early spring. Grafting involves taking a piece of a mature, disease-free plant, known as the scion, from the desired cultivar and joining it to a compatible rootstock. The scion, which is a shoot with dormant buds, is usually around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. It is meticulously spliced onto a rootstock that has been specially selected for its hardiness, size, and compatibility with the soil and climate where the plant will be grown. The graft site is then sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and infection. After the graft has taken and the new plant begins to grow, it maintains the fruit characteristics of the 'Cambridge Gage' while benefitting from the rootstock's resilience and adaptability.
