 Plum (Prunus domestica)
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Common Name(s): PlumScientific Name: Prunus domesticaDistribution: Widely cultivated in temperate areas worldwide
Tree Size: 20-25 ft (6-7.5 m) tall, 1 ft (.3 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft3 (795 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .61, .79 Janka Hardness: 1,550 lbf (6,900 N)* *Estimated hardness based on specific gravity Modulus of Rupture: 12,800 lbf/in2 (88.3 MPa) Elastic Modulus: No data available Crushing Strength: No data available Shrinkage: No data available |
Color/Appearance: Plum heartwood can exhibits a cornucopia of colors, ranging from a yellowish brown, with streaks of pink, orange, red, purple, olive, or gray mixed in. Because of the small size of plum trees, swirled or irregular grain, as well as knots and other defects are common.
Grain/Texture: Has a fine texture with close grain and a slight natural luster.
Endgrain: Semi-ring-porous to diffuse-porous; small pores, sometimes arranged diagonally; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; mineral/gum deposits occasionally present; growth rings usually distinct due to a concentration of earlywood pores; parenchyma marginal; medium to wide rays, spacing normal.
Rot Resistance: No data available.
Workability: Areas with straight and clear grain are easy to work with hand or machine tools. Care must be taken when surfacing irregular grain or knots to avoid tearout. Plum glues, turns, and finishes well.
Odor: Plum has a distinct scent while being worked that is reminiscent of pumpkin or squash.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although there have been no adverse health effects reported for Plum, the closely related Black Cherry has been reported to cause respiratory effects. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Pricing/Availability: Not commercially available in lumber form due to very small tree sizes, Plum is most commonly seen among hobbyists and other small specialty woodworkers and related retailers. Most commonly sold in turning blanks or other small sections. Prices are likely to be high for a domestic wood.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses: Turned objects, musical instruments, inlay, and knife handles.
Comments: Although Plum is related to Cherry, it tends to be heavier and harder than Cherry, and much more scarce. Sizes are very limited, so Plum tends to be assigned primarily to smaller, more decorative purposes.
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Plum (sanded) |
 Plum (sealed) |
 Plum (endgrain) |
 Plum (endgrain 10x) |
April 28th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Have two logs of plum grown as fruit trees which died due to black growth of limbs. The remaining stumps ares are approx 5 foot tall and about 6 ” dia at top. Stumps are spiraled twisted and appear solid. Plan on cutting down and drying. Would like suggestions on how to handle and whether to use as laminate, boards, or leave whole for effect. Suggestions on how to remove bark most effectively etc. Thanks