IDENTIFICATION OF PLUM VARIETIES 



Figure 1. Bark. (2 X ) 



BRADSHAW — pseudoglaucousness due to very finely pebbled bark; 

 ELEPHANT HEART — glabrous, smooth, and glossy; 

 SHROPSHIRE — true scarfskin; 

 BEAUTY — netted, russet epidermis; 

 BlIRBANK — ridged, russet epidermis. 



The slioot pubescence is one of the more important characters. Shoots may 

 lack pubescence as in Lombard, have a medium amount as in Field, or be heavily 

 pubescent as in Monarch (Figure 2). Hedrick (3) and Shoemaker (7) have 

 published data on pubescence that are somewhat at variance with the data 

 given in this bulletin. In particular, some of the European varieties that they 

 have described as having pubescent shoots are described herein as essentially 

 glabrous. However, both Hedrick and Shoemaker studied shoots from bearing 

 trees and it is apparent that pubescence on such shoots is not always the same 

 as that on shoots of nursery trees. 



The color of the growing tips is a valuable character for recognition. To be 

 most valuable, observation should be made while shoots are making active 

 length growth, as in the early part of the growing season. The small young 

 unfolding leaves at the shoot tips vary in color from the yellowish green of 



