Overview
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. is a deciduous plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central part of the United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as hog plum, flatwoods plum, plum hog, redhog plum, and wildhog plum.
Appearance
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda has an average height of 3 to 6 meters and can grow up to 10 meters high. The plant has a rounded crown with branches that spread from the trunk. Its bark is grayish-brown with small horizontal lines and vertical cracks. The leaves are oval-shaped, and the edges are serrated. The plant's flowers are white, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a reddish-purple plum that is small in size and has a sweet and sour taste.
Uses
The fruit of the plant is edible and is used to make jams, jellies, and pies. The plant also has medicinal properties and is used to treat diarrhea and stomach cramps. The bark of the plant is used to make a tea that is believed to be helpful for treating colds and fever. The wood of the plant has been used to make tool handles, walking sticks, and furniture.
Light Requirements
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can withstand full sun as long as the soil is moist, but it prefers partial shade, especially during hot summer months. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C). However, it also requires hot summers to promote fruit ripening. Therefore, it is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, where temperatures range from -20°F to 20°F (-29°C to -6°C) in winter and 10°F to 90°F (-12°C to 32°C) in summer.
Soil Requirements
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is sensitive to waterlogged soils and high soil pH levels, so it is essential to avoid planting it in areas with poor drainage or alkaline soil. Adding compost or peat moss to the soil can also improve its texture and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. is a hardy plant that thrives in well-draining soil. It is recommended to plant it in an area with plenty of sunlight, as it can handle direct sunlight without any difficulties. The plant prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. It is essential to ensure the soil is adequately aerated to promote proper root development. The plant is relatively drought-tolerant, but it is necessary to water it adequately during periods of extended dryness.
Watering Needs
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. has moderate watering needs. The plant prefers well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can cause root rot, which may lead to the eventual death of the plant. It is necessary to water the plant consistently, preferably once a week, during the growing season. During periods of drought, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
The plant requires a well-balanced fertilizer during its growing season to promote healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal for this plant. Fertilization should be done once a year during the spring or early summer. Overfertilization can lead to overgrowth and may make the plant more susceptible to pest infestations.
Pruning
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. requires minimal pruning. It is recommended to trim off any dead or diseased branches. However, pruning should be done sparingly as the plant does not respond well to excessive pruning. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is usually during the winter months. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg.
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg., also known as hog plum or flatwoods plum, is a native tree found in the southeastern United States. The tree produces small plums that are consumed by wildlife and humans alike. Propagation of Prunus umbellata can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Prunus umbellata can be propagated through seed germination. The seeds are collected in the late summer or fall and kept in a cool, dry place until the following spring. The hard coat of the seeds must be broken through scarification before planting. After scarification, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours and then planted in well-draining soil. The soil must be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. Seed-grown trees take longer to flower and produce fruit than vegetatively propagated trees.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation methods for Prunus umbellata include budding or grafting onto a rootstock. Budding is typically done in late summer, after the tree has completed its growth for the year. A bud from the desired variety is inserted under the bark of the rootstock tree. The bud will then grow and eventually replace the original rootstock. Grafting is done in the early spring before the tree begins to grow. A scion from the desired variety is attached to the rootstock. The junction is wrapped to keep moisture in and left to grow. Asexual propagation ensures that the new tree is genetically identical to the parent tree and will produce fruit of the same quality.
Disease Management
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and using fungicides.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, which allows fungi to attack the roots. It can be managed by improving soil drainage and using fungicides.
Cherry Leaf Roll Virus
Cherry leaf roll virus is a viral disease that causes stunted growth and deformation of leaves. There is no cure for this disease, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spreading.
Pest Management
Prunus umbellata Ell. var. injuncunda (Small) Sarg. is also vulnerable to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. They can be managed by handpicking them off the plant or using insecticides.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and deform. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or oils, or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Mites
Mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves, causing discoloration and distortion. They can be managed by using insecticidal sprays or introducing natural predators such as predatory mites.
