Burbank Plum

Attributes:
A hardy plum tree that bears early and sets heavy crops for the home orchard or commercial production. It adapts to a wide variety of growing conditions. Profuse delicate white flowers bloom early in the spring. The large bright reddish purple fruit has sweet, juicy, amber colored flesh with an excellent flavor. The Burbank plum is particularly good for eating fresh, canning, or making into jam and jelly.

Wildlife Value:
Plum trees provide food and cover for butterfly larva, birds, and mammals

History/Lore/Use:
Burbank plum was developed from a seed sent to the legendary plant breeder, Luther Burbank, in 1883. Its parentage can be traced to China, but for the past 400 years or more the tree has been cultivated by the Japanese giving the genus its common name, Japanese plums. There are over 200 varieties of plums grown commercially, but nearly all of California's have been derived form the Japanese plum and Burbank's experiment with cross breeding.

Height Variations:
The standard grows to 35', and dwarf grows to 8' - 10' in height.

Spread Variations:
Standard to 20' dwarf to 10'

Moisture:
This tree requires moisture, but does well where rainfall and low humidity are minimal during the growing season.

Leaves:
Simple, alternate,ovate or elliptic with acute or obtuse tips, finely toothed at the margins, often folded upward along the midrib. Bright green on top, light colored beneath and sometimes with fine hairs.

Flower Color:
White

Bloom Time:
Early.

Fruit Description:
Red and golden yellow skin. Firm, sweet, aromatic, juicy and uniquely flavored.