An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.

Those of you who love a solid, meaty, European plum for fresh eating will be blown away by the fabulous, rich flavour of this hard to find, classic prune plum. At least, that was our experience. Back in 1870 it was discovered in an abandoned monastery near Clairac, France, and was soon introduced on this side of the Atlantic. Imperial Epineuse has long been used at the National Fruit Trials in England as the standard of comparison to judge other varieties. The large, handsome, oblong plum has a mottled dark and lighter purplish-red skin covering it's wondrously sweet and flavourful greenish-yellow flesh. The vigorous, spreading tree is moderately productive.

NEEDS A POLLENIZER | ZONE 5 | HARVEST: MID SEPT.