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Damson

Prunus domestica insititia

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Rosales
Family:
Rosaceae (Rose)
Also in this family:
Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry
Type:
Deciduous tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
8 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
Solitary white flowers which are insect-pollinated. Creamy-yellow anthers. Flowers measure about 1 inch across (2.5cm).
Fruit:
Small vibrant blue fruit, oval in shape. Similar looking to the Bullace Plum (Prunus insititia) and with fruits much larger than the similar looking Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). Fruits are up to 3cm in diameter.
Leaves:
The wrinkly leaves are oval in shape. Slightly softly hairy beneath.
Other Names:
Damson Plum, Domestic Plum, European Plum, Wild Plum.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Prunus domestica insititia is a species of plum tree, also known as the European plum or the domestic plum. The fruit of the tree is commonly known as a plum, and is used in a variety of culinary applications, such as baking, preserving, and making jam. Plums are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and are often eaten fresh or dried as a snack. The tree is native to Europe and Asia, and has been cultivated for centuries for its fruit.

Blog

The Damson, also known as Prunus domestica insititia, is a type of small, dark purple plum that is prized for its unique flavor and versatility in cooking and baking. Originating in the UK and parts of Europe, Damson plums have been cultivated for centuries and are still widely grown and enjoyed today.

One of the things that sets the Damson apart from other plums is its distinctive taste. Unlike other plums that can be sweet and juicy, the Damson has a tart, slightly bitter flavor that is prized by chefs and home cooks alike. This unique taste makes it a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes, from savory sauces and jams to sweet tarts and baked goods.

In terms of appearance, Damson plums are small and oval-shaped, with a deep purple skin that is almost black. They are also relatively firm, making them ideal for cooking and preserving. Unlike other plums that can be eaten raw, Damsons are typically cooked or processed in some way, either by boiling or baking, to bring out their best flavors.

When it comes to cooking with Damson plums, there are many options. One of the most traditional uses for these plums is in the creation of Damson gin, a popular spirit made by infusing gin with the plums and their pits. This results in a rich, flavorful liquor that is often enjoyed neat or used in cocktails.

Another popular use for Damsons is in the creation of jams and jellies. Because of their tart flavor, they are often paired with sugar and other sweet ingredients to create a delicious spread that can be used on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats and poultry.

In baking, Damson plums can be used in a variety of dishes, from tarts and pies to cakes and crumbles. They pair particularly well with almonds and other nuts, and can also be used in savory dishes, such as roasted meats and sauces.

Despite their long history and popularity, Damson plums are not as widely known or used as other types of plums, such as the more commonly found Santa Rosa or Burgundy varieties. However, for those who are familiar with them, the Damson is a highly prized ingredient that adds a unique flavor and depth to any dish.

So, if you're looking to add something new and exciting to your cooking and baking repertoire, consider trying Damson plums. With their unique flavor and versatility, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In addition to cooking and baking, Damson plums have many other uses and benefits. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which are important for maintaining overall health and wellness.

In traditional medicine, Damsons have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, skin conditions, and respiratory infections. They are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a popular ingredient in natural remedies for conditions such as arthritis and other joint pain.

In the garden, Damson plums are a popular choice for home orchardists due to their hardiness and ease of cultivation. They can be grown in most temperate climates and are low maintenance, making them a great choice for those who want to grow their own fruit.

Furthermore, Damson trees are attractive ornamental plants, with bright green leaves in the spring and summer, and stunning fall foliage in shades of yellow and orange. They also produce an abundance of fragrant, white flowers in the spring, which are a beautiful addition to any garden.

Finally, Damson plums are also a great option for sustainable and environmentally conscious food choices. They can be grown using organic and sustainable methods, and their preservation methods, such as canning or making jams and jellies, help to reduce food waste and extend the life of the fruit.

Damson plums are a delicious and versatile fruit with a rich history and many health benefits. Whether you're cooking, baking, or just looking for a healthy snack, consider adding Damsons to your diet. With their unique flavor and many uses, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen and your life.

In addition to the culinary and health benefits of Damson plums, they also have a rich cultural history. In the UK and parts of Europe, the Damson has been a staple fruit for centuries, and it is often associated with traditional recipes, festivals, and folklore.

For example, in rural England, Damson picking was a popular pastime, and the fruit was often used to make Damson wine, which was enjoyed at local fairs and festivals. In Wales, the Damson was a symbol of the harvest season and was featured in many traditional songs and stories.

Similarly, in Germany, the Damson was often used to make a sweet, syrupy liqueur called Zwetschgenwasser, which was enjoyed as a digestif after meals. In France, the Damson was a popular ingredient in tarts and pies, and was often served with cream or ice cream.

Aside from its cultural significance, the Damson also has a strong connection to the landscape and natural world. In the UK, Damson trees were often planted in orchards and hedgerows, and their fruit was a staple food for both humans and wildlife.

Today, many traditional recipes and uses for Damson plums have fallen out of favor, but the fruit is still enjoyed by food lovers and traditionalists alike. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the Damson, and many chefs and food writers are rediscovering its unique flavor and versatility.

In conclusion, the Damson plum is much more than just a delicious fruit. It is a symbol of tradition, culture, and connection to the natural world. Whether you're cooking, baking, or simply savoring its unique flavor, the Damson is a fruit that should be celebrated and cherished.