🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The Klamath plum is edible, with fruits eaten raw, cooked, or processed into jams and jellies. It is a useful wildlife plant, providing food and habitat. It can be used as a rootstock for other plum varieties, especially those adapted to colder climates. It is a nitrogen fixer.
Permapeople description
Prunus subcordata, known by the common names Klamath plum, California plum, Oregon plum, and Pacific plum, is a species of plum native to the US states of California and Oregon. It is found in the Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, Klamath Mountains, and California Coast Ranges.
Botanical description
Prunus subcordata, known as Klamath plum, Sierra plum, or Pacific plum, is a species of plum native to the western United States, especially California and Oregon. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 10 meters tall. The bark is gray-brown and smooth. The leaves are ovate to oval, 3–7 cm long, with a finely serrated margin. The flowers are white to pink, 1–2 cm diameter, produced in clusters of 2-5. The fruit is a drupe 1.5–2.5 cm long, red to purple when ripe, with a sweet, slightly tart flavor. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types. It's typically found in chaparral, woodlands, and forests.
Companion planting
Klamath plum benefits from planting with nitrogen-fixing plants. Avoid planting near plants susceptible to common plum diseases or pests.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. Seed propagation requires stratification. Softwood cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer. Grafting is used to propagate desirable cultivars onto rootstocks.
History and traditions
Native American tribes, including the Klamath and Modoc, traditionally used Klamath plums as a food source, both fresh and dried for later use. They were also used medicinally for various ailments. The plums held cultural significance and were often featured in ceremonies and stories.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in spring (March-May). Fruit ripens in late summer to early fall (August-September). Planting is best done in late fall or early spring. Pruning should be done in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.