Jefferson plum Prunus domestica 'Jefferson' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Jefferson Plum

• Common names

  Prunus domestica 'Jefferson'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Prunus domestica 'Jefferson' is a variety of European plum. In general, the European plum fruit is safe to eat. However, like other stone fruits, parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, and seeds/pits, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. Cyanide is a toxic compound that can interfere with oxygen utilization in the human body. If someone ingests a significant amount of these parts, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may occur, including headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and potentially seizures, coma, and death if left untreated. It is essential to eat only the flesh of the fruit and avoid consuming the pits, leaves, or stems.

• To pets

  The Prunus domestica 'Jefferson', also known as the European plum, presents similar risks to pets as it does to humans. The fruit's flesh is not toxic to pets, but the leaves, stems, and seeds/pits contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be harmful if ingested. When pets consume these parts of the plant, their bodies may release cyanide, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, lethargy, seizure, and in severe cases, death from respiratory failure. Pet owners should ensure to keep these parts of the plum tree away from their animals and should seek veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has ingested a toxic amount.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  15 feet (4.57 meters)

• Spread

  10 feet (3.05 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• High-Yielding: The 'Jefferson' plum variety is known for its ability to produce large amounts of fruit, making it ideal for both commercial growers and home gardeners.
• Nutritious Fruit: Plums provide an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to a healthy diet.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With beautiful spring blossoms and attractive fruits, 'Jefferson' plums add ornamental value to landscapes and gardens.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the 'Jefferson' plum attract bees and other pollinators, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
• Culinary Versatility: This variety of plum can be eaten fresh, dried into prunes, or used in cooking and baking, offering a range of culinary uses.
• Adaptable to Processing: 'Jefferson' plums have qualities that make them suitable for canning, which is convenient for preserving the fruit for off-season use.
• Cross-Pollination: Planting 'Jefferson' plums can increase the pollination success of other nearby plum trees, improving their fruit set.
• Shade and Shelter: Like other fruit trees, 'Jefferson' plum trees can provide shade and shelter in garden and orchard settings.
• Wildlife Habitat: When planted as part of a diverse ecosystem, fruit trees such as 'Jefferson' plum can offer food and habitat for wildlife.
• Local Food Production: Growing 'Jefferson' plums encourages local food production, reducing the need for transport and the associated environmental impact.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant Properties: Plums, including Prunus domestica 'Jefferson', contain various antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Fiber Content: The high dietary fiber in plums can contribute to digestive health, potentially aiding in the prevention of constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Plums are a source of vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium, which can support overall health and wellness.
• Glycemic Control: Due to their fiber and sorbitol content, plums can have effects on blood sugar regulation, although they should be consumed in moderation.
• Hydrating Effects: Plums have high water content, which can contribute to hydration and support kidney function.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Woodworking: The wood of the European plum tree can be used in the creation of small wooden objects, such as handles for tools or intricate carvings, due to its fine grain and workability.
• Dye Production: The skin and pulp of European plums can be used to make natural dyes for textiles, providing shades of pink, purple or reddish colors depending on the mordant used.
• Companion Planting: European plum trees can be interplanted with other crops to provide benefits such as pollinator attraction or as a windbreak in agricultural settings.
• Beekeeping: Since the European plum tree produces an abundance of flowers, it serves as a valuable nectar source, helping to sustain bee populations and support honey production.
• Smoking Food: Wood chips from the European plum tree can be used for smoking meat and fish, imparting a unique flavor to the foods.
• Culinary Vinegars: Overripe or slightly damaged European plums can be fermented into a fruity vinegar that offers a unique flavor for salad dressings and marinades.
• Biomass Energy: Pruning and wood waste from European plum orchards can be utilized to produce biomass energy through combustion or gasification.
• Natural Potpourri: Dried European plum petals and leaves can be mixed with other aromatic plants to create natural potpourri for freshening the air.
• Environmental Education: The life cycle of the European plum tree, including its growth and fruiting patterns, can be used as a teaching tool for educational programs about temperate deciduous fruit trees.
• Wildlife Habitat: The European plum tree provides shelter and food for various birds and small mammals, thereby enhancing biodiversity in gardens and orchards.

Feng Shui

The plum tree is not commonly used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plum tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Fertility - The Jefferson plum, as with many fruit trees, represents fertility because of its abundance of fruit.
• Renewal - In line with many fruit-bearing trees that shed their leaves and blossom annually, the Jefferson plum is often associated with new beginnings and the renewal of life.
• Wealth - The lush fruitfulness of the plum tree is sometimes symbolic of wealth and prosperity.
• Inner Peace - In some cultures, the plum tree is a symbol for inner tranquility and the serenity of the mind.
• Perseverance - As plum trees can survive in harsh conditions and still bear fruit, they are also seen as symbols of perseverance and overcoming adversity.