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