Shortly after moving out here in 1976, a new neighbor clued us in on wild plums which are common in the area. They are most easily identified in early Spring during bloom. They are "shy" and grow well only when protected by other brush. A major tributary of the San Marcos (and Guadalupe) River is Plum Creek which flows through the middle of Caldwell County.
I was surprised, just a few years ago, to find this example out in the open and near my house. I believe it probably got it's start before our big tree die off of the past ~15 years. Note the big dead tree trunk on the left. I've spent some time in the vicinity cutting dead oak trees into firewood. Typical growth is multi-trunk; they can make quite big thickets. Typically, fruiting is rare or short lived. I watched this small thicket last year and did not notice any fruit. I'll try to watch closely to see if fruit is set this year. Fruit, when found, is tart to the point of not being edible fresh. Much like the also common Mustang Wild Grapes. Jellies made from the plums are prized.
Very fragrant right now. It has been suggested that fertilizing may enhance fruit quality. My experience with peaches, another Prunus, indicates otherwise. Fertilizer application DOES increase growth and appearance of vigor but may decrease sugar concentration in fruit.
Higher resolution. "zoomable":
https://photos.app.goo.gl/x77NcysRPrv5UaUDA
I see no green on the bush. Looks like the flowers are growing on dead branches.
ReplyDeletePrunus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus has two types of buds. Flower and leaf. Generally, the flower buds "come out" first. This makes them easiy to identify at the time between opening of the two types of buds. The leaf buds will be along in another week or two. BTW, I believe mango is also a Prunus. I intended to add a little Prunus discusion to the main post. Maybe this comment will suffice. For grafting, it is important to include leaf buds in the scion.
DeleteInteresting. Will you post a picture when the leaf buds arrive?
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