Damson trees
Damson is a sub-species of the plum tree found across Europe with most forms native to the UK. Whilst damsons get sweeter as they ripen and some varieties such as Damson Merryweather are sweet enough to be eaten straight off the tree, they are generally sourer than plums and more commonly considered for culinary use. They are a stone fruit which makes a delicious jam and anyone who has tasted a good damson wine will know why it was once rated on par with port. Generally harvesting around September, damsons are self-fertile and make a great addition to the fruit garden or orchard. Damson trees grow on rootstocks which determine the ultimate size of the tree and are a key factor in getting a successful crop.