Can anyone help me identify, or figure out how to identify, a plum variety? It was a mature tree nearly 30 years ago when my parents bought their home; another tree of the same variety is planted at a neighbor's, also before he bought, but I have never seen it anywhere else. Located in the Willamette Valley; never treated in any way, but doesn't seem to have pests or disease issues.
Tree is an estimated 30 or 40 feet tall, with odd-angled limbs; it does not seem to throw off suckers. Fruit is clingstone, sweet-tart, appearance that of a small, plum-shaped nectarine; gold with red blush. Flavor is unique. Fruit is on the small side; maybe the size of three or four cherries.
You've done a nice job of describing the tree. One thing you might mention is if the flesh is a different color than the outside skin. I would think about the texture of the flesh too. The texture of apricot , peach, plum and nectarine flesh is different. I can't identify the fruit, but I will tell you that you will more likely get an identification if you include a picture.
John S
PDX OR
Am going to update this, in hopes someone can help me identify this plum tree. With photo, this time! If I can figure out how to attach it.
Tree was probably planted in the 70s, maybe earlier; it was mature 30 years ago (and is still going strong, although it looks gnarly). It's 30-plus feet tall. Green leaves. Extremely minimal suckering.
Fruit is yellow, with red blush; very pretty, looks like a nectarine, and fragrant. It ripens in July. Flesh is yellow, extremely juicy, clingstone. Small, rather flat pits. Flesh sweet; skins incredibly tart.
wonderful; thanks! Fortunately, I have a few left. These do look like the photos I found of Beauty plums, but I don't think they ever turn purple, as the Beauty plums apparently eventually do. Will have to double check that, since the tree lives an hour away from me. One post I found about Beauty plums sounded very similar to these; others sounded quite different, which was confusing. Really appreciate all suggestions.
That was what the descriptions I was reading said (by people growing them). But the photos looked identical to my plums. Which, in case I failed to explain this, have the same coloring on the flesh as on the skin; the flesh blushes where the skin does. Also, they darken some as they get overripe, but they don't turn purple all over; they fall off the tree.
Failed to make it to Sauvie Island yesterday; too much family stuff going on. Maybe next year? Only have a few left in the fridge that have been holding there for weeks, and won't last much longer. Think the next step might be to see if I can get my hands on some Beauty plums for a taste test. Did wonder; our local nurseries, at least the ones I tend to look at -- One Green World, Raintree -- don't seem to carry them. Are they more common elsewhere in the country?
I shall write that on my calendar; thank you! Also, will look up Bullock's comments. If this tree of my parents is indeed a Beauty plum, then I heartily agree; it's fantastic. Makes really wonderful jam; is productive nearly every year -- and has been going strong more than 30 years, and showing no signs of slowing down. I live in fear of losing access to it, should parents ever decide to sell the property.
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