Au Amber PlumPrunus salicina ‘AU Amber’
Hardiness Zones
The potted au amber plum can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–8. View Map
Tree Type
This is a fruit tree, grown primarily for the edible fruit it produces.
Mature Size
The standard Damson plum grows to a height of around 20' and a spread of around 20' at maturity. The dwarf variety grows to a height of around 10' with a spread of up to 10'.
Growth Rate
Sun Preference
Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The Damson plum grows in a wide variety of soil types and has some tolerance for heavy and waterlogged soils. It prefers a moist, well-drained, loamy, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil.
Wildlife Value
Plum trees provide food and cover for butterfly larva, birds and mammals.
History/Lore
The damson plum has the distinction of existing virtually unaltered for thousands of years. Its seeds have been found in prehistoric dwellings. It appears in ancient Mesopotamian records and is the plum of the ancient Greek poets. It took its name from Damascus. From there, it was taken to Italy and then to the rest of Europe where it now grows wild and in home orchards.
The strong similarities between wild and domestic trees, and between the descriptions of ancient writers and observations today make this fruit tree noted for its remarkable consistency. The Damson is often grouped with the European plums, but botanists classify it as a separate species. It may be an ancestor of the European plum. Wild plum trees are symbolic of independence. Plum is the national flower of Taiwan, and its flowers are often depicted in Asian art.