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.
Excellent for fresh eating.
Plum trees are relished by deer, numerous small mammals, and insects.
All plum varieties need annual pruning during the dormant season (winter-early spring). Find more information on Training & Pruning Fruit Trees.
Plums typically are prone to bacterial canker, plum curculio damage, and brown rot of stone fruits.
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.
Black Ice® Plum MUST be cross-pollinated with Toka plum, La Crescent plum or American plum in order to produce fruit.