Damson - Prunus insititia - €15 per plant

Damson trees produce abundant  small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong flavour. Damsons are similar to plums and a member of the rose family. They have a large stone and are often juicy and more suitable for cooking than eating raw and are especially good for jams and jellies. These are tough trees and will grow well with little care and in windy positions making them a good choice for windbreak or hedging.   To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Europe
  • native habitat: Thickets, hedges and open woods
  • family: Rosaceae

Pest and Predators

  • None known

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
  • Prefers well drained soil    
  • Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus

Known hazards 

  • Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Overview


  • 2nd yr bare root 
  • Tree growing to 6 m by 5 m at a medium rate
  • It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. 
  • The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized tree
  • layer : Lower Canopy
  • habit: Standard Tree
  • height x width (m): 6m x 5m
  • years to bearing fruit: 3 years  
  • productive life span: 20-30 years 

Products 

  • Fruit: Drupes, tasty and produced in abundance in a continental climate.
  • Flowers in April , a good source of  nectar for honey and bumble bees.
  • Trees are fairly wind resistant and can be grown as a shelterbelt hedge
  • Pruned branches are loved by rabbits and goats. Good fodder crop.   

Functions, behaviors


  • Can be grown successfully against a north facing wall
  • Shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged.
  • Forms dense thickets if left undisturbed.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project