Common Plum belongs to the rose family and originates in Turkey and Europe but is now only grown in cultivation.  This plant typically grows as a large shrub or small tree up to 10-20 feet tall. It is a deciduous tree with showy white flowers and edible purple stone fruits.  It may have some spines. Greengage and damson plums are subspecies of P. domestica. It is the latest blooming of the plums making it best for northern climates.

It is primarily grown on the west coast and the Great Lakes area to make prunes due to its high sugar content. Most plums grown for the produce section of the supermarket are Japanese varieties. Cultivars of this plant have fruits available in purple, red and yellow.

Grow in fertile moist well-drained soil in full sun and protect from chemical sprays.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: As with most of the Prunus genus, this tree has some insect and disease issues. Viral, fungal and bacterial diseases can affect the fruit and leaves. Also, powdery mildew, rusts and brown rot can appear. The codling moth is the main insect but webworms, mites and borers can affect it.