Oullins Gage Plum Prunus domestica 'Oullins Gage' (C/d)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Oullins Gage Plum, Oullins Golden Gage, Yellow Gage

• Common names

  Prunus domestica 'Oullins Gage'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Prunus domestica 'Oullins Gage' is plum. Plums, like other stone fruits, can contain cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in their pits, leaves, and stems. The fruit flesh itself is safe for human consumption. However, ingestion of large quantities of pits can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal distress, convulsions, and can be potentially fatal if not treated promptly.

• To pets

  The plum is known to be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, if they consume the pits, leaves, or stems, which contain cyanogenic glycosides that can break down into cyanide when ingested. Consumption of these parts can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, lethargy, shock, and in severe cases, it can cause coma or death. Therefore, it is important to prevent pets from accessing the pits and other parts of the plum tree.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Edible Fruit: Produces delicious gage plums that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or preserved.
• Landscape Beautification: Oullins Gage plum trees have an aesthetically pleasing structure with blossoms that enhance garden visual appeal.
• Pollination Support: Attracts bees and other pollinators, thus contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
• Shade Provision: Mature trees can provide shade, creating cool spots in gardens during warm months.
• Culinary Uses: The fruit is versatile in cooking, used in pies, jams, and various recipes.
• Sustainable Gardening: Suitable for permaculture and organic gardening, promoting sustainable practices.
• Wildlife Habitat: Offers food for birds and other wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
• Local Economic Value: Growers can sell the fruit at markets, contributing to local economies.
• Educational Opportunities: Can be a teaching tool for horticulture and fruit cultivation practices.
• Seasonal Interest: Provides a changing landscape throughout the seasons, from blossoms to fruit to autumn foliage.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Oullins gage plum wood can be used in woodworking and crafting, particularly for creating small decorative items or in marquetry due to its attractive grain and color.
• The flowers of the Oullins gage plum can be used in floral arrangements to provide a springtime aesthetic, as they bloom beautifully and add a natural touch to decor.
• Leaves from the Oullins gage plum can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, with shades varying depending on the mordant used.
• Pits of the Oullins gage plum can be cold pressed to extract an oil that may be used in homemade cosmetics or as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.
• The tree can serve as a host for beneficial insects, which can help balance the ecosystem of a garden and control pest populations.
• Oullins gage plum can be utilized in the production of fruit vinegar, providing a unique flavor profile for culinary use.
• Fallen fruit can be left on the ground to ferment and create a natural yeast trap, attracting wild yeasts for homemade bread or brewing purposes.
• Fresh Oullins gage plum fruit can be used to make a natural, pectin-rich jam or jelly without the need for added commercial pectin.
• The dense foliage of the Oullins gage plum tree can provide shade and cooling to smaller plants or seating areas within a garden during hotter months.
• When planted in a row or as part of a hedgerow, the Oullins gage plum can act as a windbreak, protecting soil and nearby plants from erosion or damage.

Feng Shui

The European plum is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The European plum is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Abundance: Prunus domestica 'Oullins Gage', commonly known as Oullins Gage plum, is a fruit-bearing tree that produces plentiful and delicious fruits. Its symbolism of abundance stems from the rich harvests it yields.
• Fertility: Similar to many fruit trees, the Oullins Gage plum is often associated with fertility and growth. This is due to its ability to produce fruit and propagate new trees, which is often seen as a sign of life and continuation.
• Renewal: With the plum tree's cycle of blossoming in spring, producing fruit in summer, and going dormant in winter, it symbolizes the cycle of renewal and the idea of rebirth and new beginnings.
• Wealth: The abundance of fruit provided by the Oullins Gage plum can also symbolize wealth, not just in the literal sense of a bountiful harvest, but also in a more figurative sense of richness in life experiences and personal growth.