Hawthorns
Green Gage Plum
European Plum. Famous “Reine Claude” named after the wife of Francis I of France. Imported into England in the 18th Century by Sir Thomas Gage whence its English name. An American favorite since the time of Jefferson. Small to medium, oval, yellowish green fruit. Juicy, smooth textured, amber flesh. Rich, confectionery flavor. Considered the ideal dessert plum in Europe. Also good cooked, canned, or preserved. Typically a rather small, low branched, round headed tree with attractive blossoms and deep green foliage. Productive, self-fertile. Ripens late Summer. Susceptible to brown rot. Requires 500-800 hours of chilling. Hardy to central Iowa.
