The Shropshire Prune stands as the quintessential damson of northern England, though its precise origins remain elusive. It is likely that rather than a singular "Shropshire Prune" variety, there are several closely-related variations cultivated from wild seedlings across different parts of north-west England. Reflecting this diverse lineage, the Shropshire Prune goes by various synonyms, including the Cheshire Damson, Westmoreland Damson, and Prune Damson. Identifying features of the Shropshire Prune include its relatively small and compact tree habit, along with fruits that exhibit greater elongation compared to many other damsons.
The Lyth Valley in Cumbria serves as the epicenter of commercial damson production in the UK, where the Shropshire Prune, or its closely related counterparts, holds the title of the most widely planted variety.
While the Shropshire Prune is a robust tree, it falls slightly short in hardiness compared to some other damson varieties. Additionally, it may not be as prolific a bearer of fruit, at least by damson standards. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged for possessing the richest flavor among damsons, making it a preferred choice. In practical experience, however, some other damson varieties have proven to be equally impressive.
The Lyth Valley in Cumbria serves as the epicenter of commercial damson production in the UK, where the Shropshire Prune, or its closely related counterparts, holds the title of the most widely planted variety.
While the Shropshire Prune is a robust tree, it falls slightly short in hardiness compared to some other damson varieties. Additionally, it may not be as prolific a bearer of fruit, at least by damson standards. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged for possessing the richest flavor among damsons, making it a preferred choice. In practical experience, however, some other damson varieties have proven to be equally impressive.
Fruit Ready to Pick: Sep
The Shropshire Prune stands as the quintessential damson of northern England, though its precise origins remain elusive. It is likely that rather than a singular "Shropshire Prune" variety, there are several closely-related variations cultivated from wild seedlings across different parts of north-west England. Reflecting this diverse lineage, the Shropshire Prune goes by various synonyms, including the Cheshire Damson, Westmoreland Damson, and Prune Damson. Identifying features of the Shropshire Prune include its relatively small and compact tree habit, along with fruits that exhibit greater elongation compared to many other damsons.
The Lyth Valley in Cumbria serves as the epicenter of commercial damson production in the UK, where the Shropshire Prune, or its closely related counterparts, holds the title of the most widely planted variety.
While the Shropshire Prune is a robust tree, it falls slightly short in hardiness compared to some other damson varieties. Additionally, it may not be as prolific a bearer of fruit, at least by damson standards. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged for possessing the richest flavor among damsons, making it a preferred choice. In practical experience, however, some other damson varieties have proven to be equally impressive.
The Lyth Valley in Cumbria serves as the epicenter of commercial damson production in the UK, where the Shropshire Prune, or its closely related counterparts, holds the title of the most widely planted variety.
While the Shropshire Prune is a robust tree, it falls slightly short in hardiness compared to some other damson varieties. Additionally, it may not be as prolific a bearer of fruit, at least by damson standards. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged for possessing the richest flavor among damsons, making it a preferred choice. In practical experience, however, some other damson varieties have proven to be equally impressive.
Fruit Ready to Pick: Sep
Water Needs / Maintence
Moderate/ Moderate
Spaced Apart
3.6-6.4m (12-15ft)
Pollination Group
3
Overall Height
3.6 - 4.5m (12-15ft)
Species
Prunus insititia
Root Stock
Fruits ready to be picked
Sep
