Avalon plum Prunus domestica 'Avalon' (D)
ABOUT
Prunus domestica 'Avalon', commonly known as the Avalon plum, is a flowering fruit tree known for its attractive appearance. In spring, the tree blossoms with a profusion of white flowers, providing a beautiful floral display. As the season progresses, these flowers give way to the fruit for which it is cultivated – plums. The foliage of the Avalon plum comprises green leaves that are typically oval-shaped with a pointed tip, providing a lush backdrop for the other elements of the plant. The plums themselves are usually delectable, with a smooth and shiny skin that can vary in color from deep purple to a reddish hue, often with a dusty-white waxy coating that can be rubbed off. This variety of plum is known for its sweet and juicy flesh, which can range in color from yellow to deep orange. The skins of the fruit can also be tart, contrasting the sweetness of the flesh inside. As the season turns to fall, the leaves may display a change in color, adding a visual interest to the landscape. Overall, the Avalon plum is cherished not only for its edible fruit but also for its ornamental appeal through different seasons.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Avalon Plum
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Avalon'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Prunus domestica 'Avalon' is simply plum. Plums are generally not toxic to humans when eaten as the ripe fruit. The flesh of the plum is safe and nutritious to consume. However, like other stone fruits, the plum's pit (seed) contains amygdalin, a compound that your body can convert into cyanide, a toxic substance, if ingested in large quantities. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and vomiting, which can lead to more serious consequences such as respiratory failure and even death if not treated. It is important to avoid consuming the pits, leaves, and stems of plums.
To pets
The most common common name of Prunus domestica 'Avalon' is plum. While the ripe flesh of a plum is generally safe for pets to consume in small, controlled amounts, other parts of the plum plant can be toxic to pets. The pit, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and ingested. If a pet ingests the toxic parts of the plum, they might exhibit symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion of these parts may be fatal, so it is crucial to keep these components out of reach of pets and only feed them the flesh of the fruit sparingly and under supervision.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-12 feet (3.0-3.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Prunus domestica 'Avalon', commonly known as plum, provides vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber when its fruits are consumed.
- Culinary Versatility: Plums can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts, jams, and savory sauces, adding sweetness and tartness.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With beautiful blossoms in spring, plums offer ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Plum flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provider: As a deciduous tree, it offers shade in summer, which can improve the microclimate of gardens and outdoor living spaces.
- Fruit Production: It provides homegrown fruits, which can reduce the need to purchase fruits and promote food security.
- Wildlife Support: The fruits serve as a food source for various birds and wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Cultural Significance: Plums have cultural importance in many societies and are celebrated in festivals and traditions.
- Soil Improvement: The tree's root system helps stabilize soil and can improve soil health through leaf litter.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, plum trees generally require minimal care beyond occasional pruning and pest management.
Medical Properties- Digestive Health: The fruit is a source of dietary fiber which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Antioxidant Properties: Prunus domestica 'Avalon' (commonly known as plum) contains various antioxidants like vitamin C and phenolic compounds that can help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: The soluble fiber in plums may help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing the rate of glucose absorption.
- Bone Health: Some studies suggest that plums may support bone health due to their content of micronutrients like potassium and vitamin K.
- Heart Health: Potassium found in plums can contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, which is beneficial for heart health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of a plum tree can be used in woodworking and crafting furniture for its attractive grain and color.
- Plum leaves can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing hues of green and brown depending on the mordant used.
- Plums can be fermented to make plum wine, a popular fruit wine in various cultures.
- The tree itself can be used in landscaping to create shady areas or as a component of a wildlife garden, attracting birds and beneficial insects.
- Plum pits are often used in crafts and can be made into items such as jewelry or carved into small ornaments.
- Plum flowers can be used in decorating and garnishing dishes, bringing an aesthetic appeal to culinary presentations.
- Prunus domestica 'Avalon' leaves may be used in compost as they decompose to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
- The tree can serve as a natural windbreak or privacy screen when planted in a row or hedge formation.
- Overripe or bruised plums can be used as a base for vinegar making through fermentation.
- Fallen plum blossoms can be collected and used in potpourri mixes for their delicate fragrance and beauty.
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- Abundance - The Prunus domestica, commonly known as the plum tree, often symbolizes abundance due to its prolific fruit production which can represent fertility and plenty.
- Renewal - Plum trees are one of the first to bloom in spring, their flowers representing new beginnings and the awakening of nature after winter.
- Wealth - In some cultures, the plentiful nature of the plum’s fruit and its associated prosperity has led to it representing wealth and fortune.
- Innocence - The delicate flowers of the plum tree may be seen as a symbol of purity and innocence.
WaterThe Avalon plum tree should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per tree for young trees. As the tree matures, increase the amount to around 2 to 4 gallons, spread out over the root zone to encourage proper growth. During the growing season, if you notice the leaves wilting or the soil feeling dry at a depth of a few inches, it's a sign to water the tree. Reduce the frequency to every two weeks during the colder months. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal issues.
LightAvalon plum trees thrive best in full sunlight exposure, where they can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for the plant is in an area that is unobstructed by taller structures or trees that could create shade. Avoid planting it in areas of partial shade to ensure optimal fruit production and tree health.
TemperatureAvalon plum trees perform best in temperate conditions and require a period of winter chill to set fruit properly. They can withstand winter temperatures down to about 15°F. During the summer months, they can handle temperatures well above 75°F. The ideal temperature range for these trees is between 35°F and 85°F for optimum growth and fruit production.
PruningPrune the Avalon plum tree to shape it, remove any dead or diseased branches, and encourage fruit production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. Pruning should be performed once a year, focusing on thinning the canopy to allow sunlight to reach the interior of the tree and removing any branches that cross or rub against each other.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the European plum 'Avalon', a well-draining soil mix consisting of loamy soil, compost, and aged manure is ideal. The best pH range for this fruit tree is between 5.5 and 6.5, ensuring proper nutrient uptake and healthy growth.
RepottingEuropean plum 'Avalon' is generally not repotted as it's a large fruit tree; instead, it is planted directly in the ground. Young trees can be transplanted if necessary, but mature trees are not typically repotted.
Humidity & MistingEuropean plum 'Avalon' trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. Since they are mostly grown outdoors, they will thrive in the natural humidity of their environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Very challenging indoors; needs sun, space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common plum, specifically the cultivar 'Avalon' (Prunus domestica 'Avalon' (D)), begins its life as a seed, which when planted and given the appropriate conditions, germinates and develops into a young sapling. This tree passes through a juvenile phase where it focuses on establishing a strong root system and vegetative growth; this stage can last several years before the tree reaches maturity and becomes capable of flowering. In spring, the mature plum tree blooms, producing white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of fruit. Following pollination, the flowers develop into plums over the growing season, reaching maturity in late summer to early autumn. When the fruits are fully ripe, they may be harvested for consumption or allowed to fall to the ground where they can potentially germinate to produce new plants, thus perpetuating the life cycle. Outside human cultivation, the dropped fruits may also become food for wildlife, which may further disperse the seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Prunus domestica 'Avalon', commonly known as the 'Avalon' plum, is typically propagated through grafting. This is the most popular method for propagating fruit trees like plums because it ensures that the new trees will bear fruit that is true to the parent variety. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a piece of a stem with buds, from a healthy 'Avalon' plum tree and joining it to a compatible rootstock that will support the growth of the scion. The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring before the buds begin to swell. The scion is usually about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long and is grafted onto the rootstock using techniques like whip grafting, cleft grafting, or bud grafting, each involving different methods of cutting and securing the scion to the rootstock. After the graft union has healed and the bud starts to grow, which usually takes a few weeks, the new tree can eventually be planted out into the orchard.
