Prunus domestica
Record ID:59Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Prunus domestica |
| Common Names: | Common Plum, Garden Plum, Prune Plum |
| Key Name: | European Plum |
| Parts Used: | Fruit, bark, leaves |
| Sister Plants: | Prunus salicina, Prunus cerasifera, Prunus spinosa |
| Comments: | Fruit-bearing tree with high pollinator activity; globally cultivated |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Small to medium tree (15-30 ft), dark brown bark with fissures, oval leaves with serrated edges, white flowers, purple to yellow plums |
| Stem: | Dark brown with shallow fissures, peeling in strips |
| Leaves: | Oval, serrated, 2-4 inches, glossy green turning yellow in fall |
| Flowers: | White, 5-petaled flowers in clusters, blooming March-April |
| Fruit: | Purple to yellow plums, 2-5 cm, ripening July-September |
| Taste: | Sweet to tart (fruit), bitter (bark) |
| Odour: | Mildly sweet floral scent from flowers |
| Root: | Deep taproot with spreading laterals; stabilizes soil |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.HssPgbZQKiI8zYot8nfhTQHaE8%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=1282ef57e4d3ce877b5bb49ac260a97cac150ed9d9383424bd237edf866765b2&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Europe, Western Asia, naturalized worldwide |
| Cultivation: | Prefers well-drained loam, full sun; propagate by grafting or cuttings |
| Harvest: | Bark: Spring from pruned branches; Fruit: Late summer |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Astringent, laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory |
| Medical Uses: | Used for constipation, inflammation, urinary issues, and mild digestive support; dried fruit as a laxative |
| Constituents: | Anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, sorbitol, amygdalin (in bark) |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin |
| Dosage: | Dried fruit: 5-10 prunes daily; Bark tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Decoction or dried fruit; External: Poultice for inflammation |
| Formulas: | Combine with dandelion root for digestion; with chamomile for relaxation |
| Contra Indications: | Bark contains amygdalin (cyanide risk if overused); avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Decoction: Simmer 1 tsp bark in 1 cup water for 10 minutes; Dried fruit: Soak 5-10 prunes overnight |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for digestive issues or wound treatment in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Wood for carving, ornamental planting, wildlife food source |
| Culinary Uses: | Fruit eaten fresh, dried (prunes), or in jams; bark in teas |
| History: | Cultivated since Roman times in Europe; prunes used medicinally for centuries |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+domestica |
| Share: | Private |