Prunus alleghaniensis

Porter

Allegheny plum, Alleghany sloe, Sloe plum, Porter's plum, American sloe

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 30 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Prunus alleghaniensis, the Allegheny plum, is a species of New World plum, native to the Appalachian Mountains.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It often forms thickets. It has many upright branches. It grows 6 m high. The trunk is 15 cm across. The leaves are 5-9 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are narrow oval or sword shaped. There are 2 dot like glands at the base. There are fine sharp teeth along the edge. The leaves are covered with soft hairs when young. They are dark green above and paler underneath. The flowers are 12 mm wide with 5 rounded petals. They are white but turn pink. The flowers occur as 2-4 together on slender stalks. The fruit is a plum 10-12 mm across. It is reddish purple with a whitish bloom. They have a sour yellow pulp. There is a large stone.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and has a thick, juicy, pleasantly acid flesh. It can also be made into jams and preserves. The skin is tough, the fruit can be up to 2cm in diameter, and it contains one large seed. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit can be used in preserves or jelly. They are also used in pies or preserves.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and gives a sense of well-being.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Distribution

Temperate. It grows in moist soils and dry rocky mountain slopes. It grows between 400-610 m altitude in SE regions of the USA.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. A fast-growing but short-lived tree in the wild. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. This species is closely related to P. americana. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. A sprouting standard sending up shoots from the base.

Propagation

Seed requires 2–3 months of cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect seed from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first winter, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Half-ripe cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering can be done in spring.

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit. The wood is hard, heavy, and close-grained, though the trees are too small for it to be commercially valuable.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

References (6)

Bot. Gaz. 2:85. 1877
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 201
Grandtner, M. M., 2008, World Dictionary of Trees. Wood and Forest Science Department. Laval University, Quebec, Qc Canada. (Internet database http://www.wdt.qc.ca)
Jackes, D. A., 2007, Edible Forest Gardens
Little, E.L., 1980, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Alfred A. Knopf. p 492

Show all 6 references