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Damson Tree

Prunus insititia

Damson Trees are special because they produce small, tasty plums! They have pretty flowers in the spring.

Habitat: Gardens and orchards

Appearance

The Damson Tree is a small, deciduous tree known for its abundance of dark purplish-blue, oval-shaped fruits. It has small, finely toothed, dull green leaves and often grows with a somewhat thorny, bushy habit, distinct from larger plum varieties.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus

Damson Tree

Interesting facts

A single Damson tree can produce hundreds of pounds of fruit in a good year!

Damson plums were once used to dye fabrics a rich purple color!

Damson wood is very dense and fine-grained, sometimes used for small crafts!

These trees are ancient, brought to Britain by the Romans thousands of years ago!

Special abilities

Damson Tree can produce tart, deep purple fruits that attract birds and mammals, helping to widely spread its seeds and colonize new areas.

Damson Tree has a remarkable resilience to cold and various soil types, allowing it to thrive in diverse and challenging climates.

Damson Tree can self-pollinate, meaning a single tree can produce fruit and seeds without needing another tree nearby for reproduction.

Measurements & details

Height: 3-6 m
Canopy Spread: 3-5 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 15-30 cm
Lifespan: 20-50 years
Fruit Type: Drupe
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Vital for flowering, collecting nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Eats ripe fruits, dispersing seeds far and wide.

eats

Roe deer

Capreolus capreolus

Browses on young leaves and shoots, especially in winter.

shelters

Two-spotted ladybird

Adalia bipunctata

Ladybirds shelter on the leaves, preying on aphids.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Fruit Tree

Discover trees that grow delicious fruits, providing a natural bounty of snacks for people and animals alike. Imagine picking an apple right from the branch!

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!