Japanese plum
8
1
1Will it grow where I live?
Japanese plum is hardy to zone 6, which covers nearly all of Central Europe and the British Isles; only harsh upland sites (Alps, high ridges) call for winter protection.
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Profile
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Habit
- Tree
- Height
- 4.5 m
- Spread
- 6 m
- Growth
- medium
- Lifespan
- 30 years
- First yield
- after 4 years
- Hardiness
- zone 6–9
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Soil
- Sand, Silt, Loam
- Soil moisture
- dry – moist
- pH
- 5.5 – 7
Flowering & harvest
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowering |
Uses
⚠️ Hazards
Toxic kernels and leaves, toxic to dogs, cats and horses As in all Prunus species, the seeds, leaves and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or crushed. A single intact stone swallowed by accident is harmless, larger quantities of chewed kernels are not, and home-made kernel extracts are best avoided. The same plant parts are considered toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The flesh of the fruit itself is harmless. The gum that exudes from wounds indicates pruning at the wrong time of year, not a hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Japanese plum: how big does it get?
Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) grows as a Tree and reaches roughly 4.5 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 6 m. Growth is medium.
Japanese plum: what site does it need?
Japanese plum tolerates light shade. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt, Loam. Soil moisture should be in the range dry – moist. The pH may lie between 5.5 and 7.
Japanese plum: is it hardy?
Japanese plum is listed as hardy in zone 6–9 and survives normal winters outdoors there.
Japanese plum: will it grow in Central Europe?
Japanese plum is hardy to zone 6, which covers nearly all of Central Europe and the British Isles; only harsh upland sites (Alps, high ridges) call for winter protection.
Japanese plum: when does it flower?
In a temperate northern-hemisphere climate it flowers in April.
Japanese plum: is it poisonous?
No toxicity is recorded for Japanese plum. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone — only on a confident identification.
Japanese plum: what is it used for?
Rated on a scale up to 10: Edible 8/10, Medicinal 1/10, Other uses 1/10.
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