Prunus hortulana

Prunus hortulana, called the hortulan plum and wild goose plum, is a fruit shrub in the rose family found in the central United States in: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia. Populations east of the Appalachians probably represent naturalizations. Prunus hortulana is a deciduous tree with a trunk diameter of up to 15 centimetres (6 inches) and an overall height of 6 metres (20 feet) or more. The leaves are green and hairless on the top, but hairy on the underside. White flowers in clusters of 2–4 appear in the spring. The edible fruits are red or yellow drupes with white dots, reportedly sweet and pleasant tasting. The species grows in upland forests and near streams. There are several domesticated cultivars and hybrids with other Prunus.

Description

A small tree. It has a short trunk. It grows 6-9 m high and spreads 4.5 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is dark brown and peeling. The leaves are 7-11 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The leaves are light green. They have fine hairs and teeth along the edge. The flowers are white and in groups of 2-5. The fruit are red or yellow. They are edible.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is thin-skinned with an agreeable flavour and can be eaten out of hand or made into pies and preserves. Another account describes it as small and not very palatable, suitable only for preserves. The fruit is about 12mm in diameter, though other reports give the length as up to 25mm; it contains one large seed. Flower buds are also edible, though no further details are given. The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it is too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also processed into pies, jellies, jams and preserves.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal use has been recorded for this species, but like all members of the genus it contains amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts, this highly poisonous substance is said to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and produce 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 along streams. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Where It Grows

Australia, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil. 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. Sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit in Southern N. America, there are some named varieties. This tree is of very little value for its fruit in Britain, requiring hotter summers than are usually experienced here if it is to fruit well. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. A sprouting standard sending up shoots from the base. Harvesting typically occurs in late summer to early autumn, with specific timing varying by species. For instance, plums and peaches are usually harvested from July to September (Northern Hemisphere), while almonds are harvested in August to September (Northern Hemisphere). Prunus species usually flower in early spring, often between March and April (Northern Hemisphere), depending on the species and local climate. Growth rates vary among species, but generally, Prunus trees can grow moderately fast, often reaching full height in 3 to 5 years. However, they may take several years to bear fruit, depending on the species and growing conditions. Some Prunus species (like many plums and almonds) are self-fertile, while others (like sweet cherries and certain apricots) require cross-pollination with another compatible variety for optimal fruit set. While Prunus hortulana (Hog Plum or Hortulan Plum) is self-compatible and can produce fruit on its own, a second plant nearby can lead to a better crop.

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 and protected from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July or 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, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit. The wood is heavy, hard, and strong, and is used for turnery. Prunus species can be used as windbreaks and in alley cropping systems. They improve biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The fruits are an important food source for birds and mammals, and the dense foliage provides shelter. The rough bark and leaf litter offer overwintering sites and shelter for invertebrates.

Other Information

It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

References (14)

• Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1094
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 203
• Gard. & Forest 5:90. 1892
• 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)

More from Rosaceae

Crataegus species

Blue hawthorn

Crataegus stevenii

Crataegus stipulosa - (Kunth.)Steud.

Crataegus submollis

Quebec hawthorn, Canada thorn

Crataegus subvillosa

Crataegus succulenta

Fleshy hawthorn, Succulent hawthorn, Long-spine hawthorn