Prunus subcordata

Benth.

Sierra cherry, Klamath plum, Pacific plum, Sierra plum, Western plum, Oregon plum

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Some parts mildly toxic — see hazards 606 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Prunus subcordata, known by the common names Klamath plum, Oregon plum, Pacific plum and Sierra plum, is a member of the genus Prunus, native to the western United States, especially California and Oregon.

Description

A shrub. It grows 4.5 m tall and spreads 3 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is furrowed and grey-brown. It flakes off in scales. The leaves are small and have teeth along the edge. The flowers are white and 18 mm across. They are in small clusters. The fruit are yellow or purple-red.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked in pies, preserves, and similar preparations. It is pleasantly acid, and the best forms have a slight astringency that gives a distinctive flavour to cooked products. It is considered one of the finest flavoured wild fruits of Pacific North America. The fruit is up to 3cm in diameter and contains one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also dried. They are made into preserves, sauces, jellies, syrups and wines. They are also canned.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Like all members of the genus, this species contains amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts, this compound stimulates respiration, aids digestion, and produces 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 suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Where It Grows

Australia, 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. Requires a sunny position. Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties. 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.

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, then plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from vigorous 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 close-grained, though the trees are too small for the wood to be of commercial interest.

Other Information

The fruit are enjoyed. It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Also Known As

Tuyu

References (15)

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)
Couture, M. D., 1978, Recent and Contemporary Foraging Practices of the Harney Valley Paiute. Thesis, Portland State University
Coutre, M. D., et al, 1986, Foraging Behaviour of a Contemporary Northern Great Basin Population. Journal of California and Great Bason Anthropology Vol. 8(2) pp 150-160
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1099
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 204

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