Feature Tree - May 2003
Princess Kay Plum

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Common Name: Princess Kay Plum

Scientific Name: Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay'
Family:  Rosaceae

This Tree in Colorado: Recognized as a Plant Select tree in 2000, Princess Kay Plum is truly a ‘four season tree’ for Colorado landscapes up to 7000’ elevation. Grows well in a variety of soils but prefers good drainage and consistent moisture. This beautiful, small tree was originally discovered in the wilds of Itasca County Minnesota by Catherine (Kay) and Robert Nyland and introduced to the landscape industry by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 

Growth Rate, Form and Size: A moderate to fast growing tree reaching only 15’ to 20’ tall with a spread of 12’ to 15’: well suited to small spaces and for use under power lines. The densely branched crown is round to oval and provides a neat, aesthetic appearance all year round. 

Landscape Value: A beautifully shaped, small tree with many unique features, this tree is a wonderful choice for small yards and creates quite an impressive display when planted in groupings. The highly fragrant, double white flowers appear before the leaves and develop a light pink coloring as they mature. Even very young trees produce a profusion of 1” blooms lasting from 7 to 10 days in late April to early May. The beauty of the flowers will draw you in for a closer look and then the fragrance will capture your interest. Flowers best in full sun.

Zones: U.S.D.A. Zones 3 – 9.                                                                                

Bark: Another very attractive characteristic: the bark is dark brown to nearly black with very prominent white lenticels. This contrast adds beauty and interest through the winter months. 

Fruit: Due to the double flowers, fruit set is minimal and not a reason for planting this variety of Canada plum.

Foilage: Typical of plums, the leaves are alternate ranging from 4” – 5” long, doubly serrate and starting medium to dark green. Occasionally produces a spectacular red fall color.

Photos: Courtesy of Colorado Springs Utilities, University of Minnesota Extension Services and University of Minnesota Experiment Station.
Information Sources:  Dirr, Michael “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses”. 1990
Klett, James “Plant Select Program” Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension Service


As with all Feature Trees, considerable more information can be obtained by searching the web under the name, Princess Kay Plum.