Italian Prune Fruit Tree

Italian is a European freestone plum commonly grown as a prune plum. Its purple fruit has yellow-green flesh and can be eaten fresh, canned, or dried. ## Fruit and harvest [Oregon State University Extension](https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=825995) identifies ‘Italian’ as a European plum and records Italian plum, Italian prune, Italian prune plum, and Fellenberg as common names. [Raintree Nursery](https://raintreenursery.com/products/italian-prune-plum-semi-dwarf) describes late-summer fruit with purple skin and yellow-green flesh, suitable for fresh eating, drying, and canning. Harvest timing varies with climate. Rootstocks such as dwarfing St. Julian or semi-dwarf types also affect eventual tree size, so confirm the supplied rootstock before planting. ## Placement Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Italian is self-fertile, although cross-pollination may improve yields in some settings. Its spring flowers are followed by fruit that ripens toward late summer or early fall, depending on the growing region. ## Maintenance Provide regular water while establishing and during dry weather and fruit development. Prune to maintain a balanced, accessible canopy and remove damaged branches. Harvest when the fruit is fully ripe, and clear fallen fruit from beneath the tree after picking.