The plums are treated here as comprising a number of subspecies, but this treatment is not universally accepted. The Flora of N. America[], for example, says that distinctions given in the literature between Prunus domestica and its subspecies, and which cultivated varieties are derived from each of them, are contradictory and confusing. They treat Prunus domestica as one variable species without designation of infraspecific taxa[].
The taxonomic history of Prunus is long and complicated, in part due to the economic value of its fruit crops and also the ease with which some species hybridize. Here, Prunus is circumscribed in its broad sense based on the argument that when viewed on a worldwide scale, the morphologic discontinuities among the segregate genera diminish and they overlap with one another. Included here are species that have at times been placed in the genera Amygdalus, Armeniaca, Cerasus, Laurocerasus, Padus, and Persica.
At the species level, Prunus has been the object of the usual combining and splitting common among taxonomists with different philosophies and opinions. In particular, over-reliance on the indument of various vegetative and floral parts has led to the naming of numerous species and infraspecific taxa. Similarly, too much has been made of fruit colour and palatability in naming taxa of Prunus. It is very likely that, as molecular and genetic data are analyzed and, more importantly, correlated with morphological data, circumscriptions will be redrawn and the number of Prunus species will be reduced[].

Common Name: Damson

General Information

Prunus domestica insititia is a deciduous shrub or a small tree that is sometimes spiny; it can grow up to 6 metres tall[].
Damsons and bullaces are sometimes cultivated, mainly on a garden scale, for their edible fruit. They are also often harvested from naturalized trees in the wild as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

The plant (especially the seed and young shoots) contains cyanogenic glycosides, especially amygdalin and prunasin. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The fruits and flowers of most members of this genus generally have low or very low concentrations of this toxin, though the seeds and young shoots can contain much higher levels.
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- for example sweet tasting almond seeds are a major food crop and are often eaten in quantity, whilst bitter tasting almond seeds are used as a flavouring (in marzipan for example) but are not usually eaten on their own.
In general, it can be considered safe to eat any fruit or seed from species in this genus that either have a sweet flavour or are slightly bitter. Great caution should be taken, however, if the flavour is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

This species is often naturalized, especially in the region of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and India. It is not known truly wild.

Habitat

Thickets, hedges and open woods[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[, ]. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[, ]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[].
Bullaces, and more commonly the damsons, are occasionally cultivated for their edible fruits, there are some named varieties[].
The damson has been derived in cultivation from the bullace, differing in having a sweeter fruit[].
Damsons can be grown successfully against a north facing wall[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. A more acid flavour than a plum but it is very acceptable raw when fully ripe, especially after being touched by frost[, , ]. The fruit is about 30mm in diameter and contains one large seed[].
Usually dark purple, somewhat smaller than the plums and more acid, bullaces have a more globose shape whilst damsons have the typical oval shap of plums.

Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

An edible gum is obtained from points of damage on the trunk[].

The seed contains about 20% of an edible semi-drying oil[, ]. It has an agreeable almond smell and flavour[].

The flowers are eaten. They are used as a garnish for salads and ice cream or brewed into a tea[].

Medicinal

The dried fruit, known as prunes, is a safe and effective laxative and is also stomachic[, , , ].

The bark is sometimes used as a febrifuge and is styptic[, ].

An infusion of the flowers has been used as a mild purgative for children[].

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Trees are fairly wind resistant and can be grown as a shelterbelt hedge[].

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[].
A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[].
A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[].

A gum obtained from points of damage along the stem can be used as an adhesive[].

The ground up seeds are used cosmetically in the production of face-masks for dry skin[].

A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed[]. It can be used as an illuminant in lamps[].

The reddish-brown wood is very close-grained, hard, compact. Liable to warp and split. It is used for musical instruments[, ].

The plant is sometimes used as a rootstock for other, related species[].

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. The various cultivars of plum are unlikely to breed true - they will usually produce a range of plants from seed with differing characteristics from their parent,
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[, ].
Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[].
Layering in spring.