Plum

Plum (Prunus domestica)

Common Name(s): Plum

Scientific Name: Prunus domestica

Distribution: 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)

Basic Specific Gravity: .61

Hardness: 1,550 lb_f (6,900 N)*

*Estimated hardness based on specific gravity

Rupture Strength: 12,800 lb_f/in² (88,300 kPa)

Elastic Strength: 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/Pore: Has a fine texture with close grain and a slight natural luster.

Durability: 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.

Scent: Plum has a distinct scent while being worked that is reminiscent of pumpkin or squash.

Safety: 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.

Price/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.

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.

Some common uses for Plum include: turned objects, musical instruments, inlay, and knife handles.