Opal plum Prunus domestica 'Opal' (D)
ABOUT
The Opal plum is a deciduous fruit tree known for its early fruiting nature and the delicious plums it produces. The tree develops a spreading canopy with a handsome arrangement of branches. During the spring, it is adorned with white blossoms that add a decorative appeal to the landscape. These blossoms eventually give way to the fruit. The plums themselves are a sight to behold, with a smooth, deep purple skin that has a beautiful, dusty bloom, giving them a slightly cloudy appearance before they are polished. The flesh inside is golden yellow, firm, and juicy. The contrast between the outer skin and the inner flesh is striking when the plum is cut open. The leaves of the Opal plum tree are also attractive – they are oval-shaped with a fine point and have a bright green color that serves as a lush backdrop for both the blossoms and the fruit. These characteristics come together to create a tree that is not only valued for its edible produce but also for its aesthetic qualities in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Opal Plum
Common names
Prunus domestica 'Opal'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Prunus domestica 'Opal' is the European plum. Generally, the fruit of the European plum is safe to eat, and there are no toxic effects from consuming the ripe fruit. However, other parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems, and seeds, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. If someone consumes a large quantity of these parts, especially the seeds, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and potentially could lead to loss of consciousness or even death if treatment is not promptly provided. It is rare for poisoning to occur due to the bitter taste of these parts which naturally deters ingestion in large amounts.
To pets
The common name for Prunus domestica 'Opal' is the European plum. The ripe fruit is generally considered safe for pets to consume in moderation; however, the leaves, stems, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or ingested. If a pet consumes a significant amount of these parts of the plant, it can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms in pets might include salivation, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock, which could potentially be fatal if not treated quickly. Pet owners should monitor their pets to prevent them from chewing on these parts of the European plum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Produces sweet and juicy plums that are a natural source of vitamins and fiber.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds ornamental value to the landscape with its attractive blossoms and fruit.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
- Shade Provider: Can offer a shaded area in gardens and landscapes when mature.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a variety of visual interest throughout the seasons with its spring blooms, summer fruits, and autumn leaf color.
- Local Habitat Support: Provides food and shelter for wildlife such as birds and small mammals.
Medical Properties-
- Antioxidant content: Opal plums contain phenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties.
-- Fiber content: The fruit is a source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestive health.
-- Vitamin content: Opal plums are rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which is important for immune system function.
-- Potassium levels: The potassium found in plums can help maintain cardiovascular health and proper muscle function.
-- Laxative effect: Prunus domestica 'Opal' may have a mild laxative effect, which can help in cases of constipation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: European plums can provide shelter and nesting locations for birds and small animals.
- Dye Production: The skins of European plums can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or art projects.
- Woodworking: European plum wood is valued for its hardness and can be used to make small items like handles, musical instruments, and fine furniture.
- Agricultural Benefits: European plum trees can serve as pollinator attractants in gardens, aiding the pollination of other plants and trees.
- Educational Tool: These plants can be used in educational settings to teach about fruit tree cultivation, pruning, and propagation techniques.
- Art Supplies: The branches and leaves of European plum trees can be used in floral arrangements or as natural brushes for painting.
- Biomass Production: Pruned branches and leaves can be composted or used in biomass energy production.
- Ink Making: The dark pigments in the fruit have been historically used to make inks.
- Culinary Smoking: Wood chips from the European plum tree can be used to smoke meats, imparting a distinct flavor.
- Photography Prop: Ripe European plums and the tree itself can serve as picturesque elements in still life and nature photography.
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: Opal plum trees are known for their generous crop of fruits, symbolizing plentifulness and prosperity.
- Renewal: As a deciduous tree that blooms in the spring, the opal plum represents new beginnings and the cycle of life.
- Wealth: In many cultures, plums are associated with wealth, both material and spiritual, perhaps due to their valuable fruit and lush foliage.
- Inner-richness: The opal plum's sweet fruit can symbolize the richness of the inner self and the rewards of introspection.
- Overcoming Difficulties: The hardy nature of the Opal plum tree, able to thrive in various conditions, can symbolize the ability to withstand challenges.
WaterEuropean Plum trees require regular watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, particularly during the growing seasons of spring and summer. Newly planted trees need watering once or twice a week, providing around 5 gallons per watering depending on the rain and soil drainage. Decrease watering to once every 2-3 weeks for established trees, offering 10-15 gallons each time to ensure deep soil penetration. In drier climates or during particularly hot periods, monitor soil moisture and increase frequency as needed to prevent drought stress.
LightThe European Plum tree thrives best in full sun locations, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is important to position the tree in a spot without shade from buildings or other trees to ensure abundant fruit production and healthy growth.
TemperatureEuropean Plum trees grow best in a temperature range of 35-85 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can survive brief temperature extremes, the ideal range supports optimal growth and fruiting. They need a period of winter chill and can tolerate temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from spring frosts which can damage blossoms.
PruningPrune European Plum trees to maintain their shape, remove damaged or diseased limbs, and to encourage fruit production. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, removing only about 20% of the tree's branches each year to keep the tree healthy and productive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe European plum, Prunus domestica 'Opal', thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loam, compost, and well-aged manure supports its growth, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
RepottingEuropean plum trees like Prunus domestica 'Opal' are typically planted outdoors and do not require regular repotting. If grown in a container, repotting every 3-5 years in early spring is recommended.
Humidity & MistingThe European plum 'Opal' does well in average outdoor humidity levels. As a temperate fruit tree, it does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Opal plum trees aren't suitable for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Opal' variety of European Plum (Prunus domestica 'Opal') begins its life cycle with seed germination, where it emerges as a seedling and gradually develops its root system and shoots. After establishment, it enters a vegetative growth phase where the main stem and branches elongate, and leaves develop to create the tree's canopy. The tree matures and enters the reproductive phase, typically after several years, producing blossoms in spring that are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of fruit. The fruit matures through the summer, ripening to a sweet, edible stage typically in late July or early August. Once the fruit is harvested or falls naturally, the plant focuses energy back into root and shoot growth, preparing for dormancy in the winter. Each year, the cycle repeats with the plant flowering and fruiting, gradually growing larger and more productive up to a peak, before eventually aging and declining in vitality.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer-autumn
The European plum 'Opal', a cultivar of Prunus domestica, is commonly propagated by grafting. Grafting is most successfully done in late winter to early spring before the tree starts to actively grow. In this method, a desired scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the 'Opal' plum, is selected and cut to include several buds. This scion is then joined to a compatible rootstock which has been specially grown for its root system, such as the St. Julien or Pixy rootstocks that are common for plums. The cut surfaces of both scion and rootstock are matched together and tightly bound with grafting tape, which holds the pieces in place while the graft heals and unites over the following months. It is key to ensure that the vascular cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock are aligned for successful fusion. Once healed, the new tree will exhibit the fruit characteristics of the 'Opal' European plum above the graft, with the rootstock influencing factors like tree size and disease resistance.
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