Black Ice® Plum

Prunus ‘Lydecker’ PP16,621

Description & Overview

Black Ice® plum produces large round black fruits that ripen in early August in Wisconsin. The fruit is sweet, juicy and semi-cling. This plum was derived from a complex cross of sand cherry (Prunus besseyi) with Japanese plum genetics. The goal by the breeder was to obtain a Japanese type plum that was hardy enough to grow in the upper mid-west yet had the quality to compete with Japanese plums readily available on the summer markets from west coast growers.

Core Characteristics

Suggested Uses:

Excellent for fresh eating.

Fruits maturing progression pictures taken late June.

Wildlife Value:

Plum trees are relished by deer, numerous small mammals, and insects.

Maintenance Tips:

All plum varieties need annual pruning during the dormant season (winter-early spring). Find more information on Training & Pruning Fruit Trees.

Pests/Problems:

Plums typically are prone to bacterial canker, plum curculio damage, and brown rot of stone fruits.

Leaf Lore:

Black Ice® was bred by Dr. Brian Smith of University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The cultivar name ‘Lydecker’ was chosen to honor Ann Lydecker. Ann previously worked as chancellor at UW-River Falls but lost her life in a car accident. Dr. Smith is also known for his extensive breeding work on strawberries suitable for northern growing regions.

Companion Plants:

Black Ice® Plum MUST be cross-pollinated with Toka plum, La Crescent plum or American plum in order to produce fruit.

BLACK ICE® PLUM BENCHCARD