The European plum, Prunus domestica, probably originated around the Caucasus region at least two millennia ago. Although there are a number of cultivars, they are generally classified as European, Asian, and hybrid plums. In fact, Washington State University Extension recommends that plums, along with peaches and apricots, might be a good substitute for apples or cherries, because plums “are not regularly attacked by troublesome insect pests, so they may not require multiple pesticide applications during the growing season.”Īs Extension educators have noted, “Plum trees are usually vigorous and productive, less prone to disease and nutrition problems than other stone fruit kinds, and can be used not only for fresh eating but also for canning, drying, fruit leathers, and other culinary uses.”Ī home gardener can choose from an array of plums to grow, with fruit colors ranging from “classic” purple to bright green, dark yellow, red, gold, and almost black. That doesn’t diminish the plum as a tasty addition to any homegrown suite of fruit. To be fair, California commands that sector, with 97 percent of the plum market. A neighbor might even give you a big bag of purple fruit.Īlthough apples, pears, and cherries dominate the commercial tree fruit of Washington, the state produces the second-most plums in the nation. Whether you live in Lynden or Lind, if you don’t have a nearby plum tree, chances are you can find one. Of all the fruit trees, it sometimes seems like the most common backyard resident is the plum.
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