Plums come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and flavors—from sweet and juicy to tart and tangy. With over a hundred varieties grown worldwide, each type of plum offers something unique.
In this guide, you’ll discover 30 different types of plums, complete with identification tips, descriptions, and health benefits. Whether you enjoy them fresh, dried, or cooked, there’s a plum variety for every taste and purpose.
1. Elephant Heart Plum
Elephant Heart plums are large and heart-shaped, known for their deep red skin and vibrant red flesh. Their juicy, aromatic, and slightly tangy flavor makes them a favorite among plum lovers. This Japanese variety is often used in desserts and fruit salads because of its eye-catching appearance and rich taste.
Identification
- Skin: Dark reddish-purple
- Flesh: Deep red
- Size: Large
- Taste: Juicy, sweet-tart
- Shape: Heart-shaped
- Ripens: Late summer
Benefits
Elephant Heart plums are high in vitamin C and antioxidants that help support the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. Their deep color indicates the presence of anthocyanins, which may help with inflammation and heart health. The juicy texture also makes them a satisfying low-calorie snack.
2. Shiro Plum
Shiro plums are a yellow Japanese variety with a mild, sweet flavor. They have a thin skin and soft, juicy flesh, making them ideal for fresh eating. Shiro means “white” in Japanese, referring to the light color of the fruit. These plums are often one of the earliest to ripen in the season.
Identification
- Skin: Bright yellow
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Mild, sweet, and juicy
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Early summer
Benefits
Shiro plums are hydrating and easy to digest, making them great for all ages. Their light color means they’re low in pigmentation-related antioxidants, but they still provide vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals. Their low acidity makes them a gentle fruit for sensitive stomachs.
3. Damson Plum
Damson plums are small, tart plums commonly used in jams, jellies, and liqueurs. They have a dense, firm flesh that holds up well during cooking. Though they’re too sour for many to eat raw, their strong flavor intensifies when cooked, making them ideal for preserves and baking.
Identification
- Skin: Deep blue or purple
- Flesh: Golden yellow to green
- Size: Small
- Taste: Tart and tangy
- Shape: Oval
- Ripens: Late summer to early fall
Benefits
Damson plums are rich in dietary fiber and pectin, supporting digestive health and cholesterol control. Their tartness comes from natural organic acids that also aid in detoxification. These plums are commonly used in traditional remedies for improving gut function and appetite.
4. Beauty Plum
Beauty plums are one of the earliest ripening Japanese plums. They have reddish skin and golden flesh with a sweet flavor and slightly tart aftertaste. Their attractive look and balanced flavor make them a favorite in home gardens and farmers markets.
Identification
- Skin: Red to pinkish
- Flesh: Yellow to golden
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Sweet with a tart finish
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Early summer
Benefits
Beauty plums offer a refreshing mix of sweet and tangy flavors along with a boost of vitamins A and C. Their antioxidants support healthy skin and immune response, while the natural fruit acids may aid in cleansing the liver and kidneys.
5. Black Beauty Plum
Black Beauty is another dark-skinned Japanese plum with a striking appearance and bold flavor. Its flesh is yellow and juicy, offering a rich sweetness when fully ripe. This variety is widely grown in warmer climates and valued for its high yield.
Identification
- Skin: Dark purple to almost black
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Large
- Taste: Sweet and flavorful
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Black Beauty plums are packed with potassium and vitamin C, which support cardiovascular and immune health. Their high fiber content encourages healthy digestion, while their dark skin provides beneficial plant compounds that may help lower inflammation and oxidative stress.
6. Opal Plum
Opal plums are a European variety often called the “early plum” due to their quick ripening. They are small to medium-sized with a reddish-purple skin and golden-yellow flesh. The flavor is sweet with just a touch of tartness, making them one of the best-tasting early plums for fresh eating.
Identification
- Skin: Reddish-purple with some yellow blush
- Flesh: Golden yellow
- Size: Small to medium
- Taste: Sweet and slightly tangy
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Early to mid-summer
Benefits
Opal plums provide a quick dose of natural sugars and energy while being low in fat. They support digestive health through fiber and offer a decent amount of vitamin C. These plums are a great option for snacking, especially when you want something refreshing and naturally sweet.
7. President Plum
President plums are one of the largest European plums, known for their impressive size and dark blue skin. They have a firm texture and sweet, rich flavor, especially when left to fully ripen on the tree. These plums are excellent for both eating fresh and using in pies and preserves.
Identification
- Skin: Dark blue to purple
- Flesh: Yellowish-green
- Size: Large
- Taste: Sweet and full-bodied
- Shape: Oval
- Ripens: Late summer to early fall
Benefits
President plums are a good source of potassium and fiber, helping regulate blood pressure and improve digestion. Their sturdy flesh holds up well in baking, which means their nutritional value is preserved even when cooked. They’re also high in antioxidants due to their dark skin.
8. Redheart Plum
Redheart plums are stunning fruits with a vibrant red interior and light reddish skin. They are juicy and sweet, with a flavor that leans slightly toward berries. This Japanese variety is not only beautiful but also delicious and ideal for fresh consumption.
Identification
- Skin: Light red to pink
- Flesh: Bright red
- Size: Medium to large
- Taste: Sweet with a berry-like hint
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Redheart plums are rich in anthocyanins, which give their flesh its bright color and contribute to heart health and reduced inflammation. They’re also hydrating and low in calories, making them an ideal choice for healthy snacking. Their flavor profile makes them a standout in fruit salads.
9. Mirabelle Plum
Mirabelle plums are small, golden-yellow plums mostly grown in France. They’re known for their delicate skin, sweet flavor, and floral aroma. These plums are often used in traditional French desserts, jams, and even brandy. Despite their small size, they pack a lot of flavor.
Identification
- Skin: Golden yellow with light red blush
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Small
- Taste: Very sweet and aromatic
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Late summer
Benefits
Mirabelle plums are rich in natural sugars and make an excellent ingredient for sweet dishes. They provide vitamins A and C and help promote healthy skin. Their floral notes and sweetness also make them a flavorful way to stay hydrated during hot days.
10. Methley Plum
Methley is a self-pollinating Japanese variety known for its early harvest and sweet, juicy fruit. The skin is purple-red, while the flesh is red and very soft. These plums are commonly grown in home gardens and are perfect for fresh eating or juicing.
Identification
- Skin: Reddish-purple
- Flesh: Reddish-pink
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Very sweet and juicy
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Early summer
Benefits
Methley plums offer a burst of hydration and natural sugar, making them a great option for energizing snacks. They contain antioxidants and fiber, which help support overall health. Their high juice content also makes them suitable for smoothies and fruit blends.
11. Italian Prune Plum
Italian Prune Plums are one of the best-known European varieties, often used for drying into prunes. They are oval-shaped with dense, sweet flesh and a rich flavor that intensifies when cooked or dried. These plums are great for baking and preserving due to their low moisture and high sugar content.
Identification
- Skin: Dark purple to bluish
- Flesh: Yellow to amber
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Sweet and rich
- Shape: Oval
- Ripens: Late summer to early fall
Benefits
Italian Prune Plums are rich in fiber, especially when dried, which helps promote digestive health and regularity. They contain natural sugars that provide lasting energy and are known for supporting bone health through their vitamin K and boron content.
12. Reine Claude Plum (Greengage Group)
Reine Claude, a famous Greengage-type plum from France, is highly prized for its complex, honey-like sweetness. Though it stays green even when ripe, the flavor is intensely sweet and floral. It’s excellent for eating fresh, making gourmet jams, or pairing with cheese and wine.
Identification
- Skin: Green to yellow-green
- Flesh: Greenish-gold
- Size: Small to medium
- Taste: Intensely sweet and floral
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Reine Claude plums provide natural sugars and dietary fiber that support digestion and energy levels. Their sweet, aromatic nature also means they’re satisfying in small amounts, making them a healthier alternative to processed sweets. They also contain polyphenols for cellular protection.
13. Burbank Plum
The Burbank plum, developed by famed horticulturist Luther Burbank, is a popular Japanese variety. It features a bright red to purple skin and yellow flesh. Known for its firm texture and juicy bite, this plum is excellent for fresh eating and holds up well in cooking.
Identification
- Skin: Bright red to purple
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Medium to large
- Taste: Juicy and mildly sweet
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Burbank plums offer a good balance of fiber, water, and nutrients like vitamin A and C. Their juicy flesh is refreshing, and their antioxidant-rich skin supports immune health and skin protection. They’re also great for regulating appetite due to their water content and texture.
14. Cherry Plum
Cherry plums are small, round fruits that resemble cherries but are actually a wild-type plum. They come in red, yellow, or purple and have a tart flavor, especially when not fully ripe. Often found growing naturally, they’re used for jellies, sauces, or ornamental planting.
Identification
- Skin: Red, yellow, or dark purple
- Flesh: Yellow or orange
- Size: Small
- Taste: Tart to slightly sweet
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Early to mid-summer
Benefits
Cherry plums contain antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, which support cellular health and immunity. Their tart flavor can stimulate digestion and appetite. Though small, they provide a refreshing snack and can be used to make flavorful homemade preserves.
15. Bluefre Plum
Bluefre is a European plum variety known for its high yield and sweet, firm fruit. It has a bluish skin with greenish-yellow flesh and is mostly used for eating fresh or drying into prunes. The fruit has a firm texture and pleasant flavor that’s slightly less tangy than other plums.
Identification
- Skin: Blue to deep purple
- Flesh: Greenish-yellow
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Sweet and mild
- Shape: Oval
- Ripens: Late summer
Benefits
Bluefre plums are fiber-rich and help support digestive comfort. They offer a steady release of energy due to their balance of sugars and nutrients. This variety is also useful in supporting cardiovascular health with its potassium content and plant-based antioxidants.
16. Ozark Premier Plum
Ozark Premier is a large, showy Japanese plum known for its bright red skin and juicy, golden flesh. It’s a cross between ‘Burbank’ and ‘Methley’ and is widely grown in home gardens. The fruit has a mild, sweet flavor with a hint of tartness, making it great for fresh eating and preserves.
Identification
- Skin: Bright red to crimson
- Flesh: Yellow to golden
- Size: Large
- Taste: Mildly sweet with light tartness
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Ozark Premier plums are rich in hydration, vitamin C, and natural sugars, making them a revitalizing summer fruit. Their fiber supports gut health, and the antioxidants found in the skin help combat free radicals and support glowing skin.
17. Golden Plum (Yellow Egg Plum)
Golden plums, often called Yellow Egg plums due to their shape and color, are a traditional European variety. They are sweet and mild, with a firm texture that’s ideal for making compotes, jams, or simply enjoying fresh from the tree.
Identification
- Skin: Bright yellow
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Medium to large
- Taste: Sweet and mellow
- Shape: Oval or egg-shaped
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Golden plums are rich in vitamin A and natural sugars that provide quick energy. Their gentle flavor and low acidity make them suitable for people with sensitive digestion. They’re also a good source of beta-carotene, supporting eye and skin health.
18. Beauty Plumcot
A plumcot is a hybrid between a plum and an apricot, and the Beauty Plumcot is one of the tastiest varieties. It has a reddish skin with sweet, firm flesh that carries the best qualities of both parent fruits. It’s juicy, flavorful, and ideal for eating fresh.
Identification
- Skin: Red or pink with yellow hues
- Flesh: Yellow-orange
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Sweet and tangy
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Beauty Plumcots provide a vitamin-rich, antioxidant-filled snack with a tropical twist. Their unique mix of plum and apricot characteristics offers diverse health benefits—from aiding digestion to boosting immunity. They also have more fiber and vitamin A than many standard plum varieties.
19. Black Splendor Plum
Black Splendor is one of the earliest ripening plums, known for its almost black skin and deep red flesh. It has a sweet, rich flavor and a firm texture. This Japanese variety is favored for both commercial production and backyard growing due to its reliability and taste.
Identification
- Skin: Deep purple to black
- Flesh: Dark red
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Sweet and rich
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Early summer
Benefits
Black Splendor plums are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins that support heart health and reduce inflammation. Their juicy texture and bold flavor make them a refreshing, satisfying fruit during hot months. They’re also a low-calorie snack that keeps you full.
20. American Wild Plum (Prunus americana)
Native to North America, the American Wild Plum grows naturally in woodlands and prairies. The fruit is small and tart, often used in traditional preserves, sauces, and wine. Though not commonly grown in gardens, it’s an important species in ecological and heritage food systems.
Identification
- Skin: Yellow, red, or purple (varies by location)
- Flesh: Yellow to orange
- Size: Small
- Taste: Tart to slightly sweet
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Late summer
Benefits
American Wild Plums are high in pectin, making them ideal for natural thickening in jams. They provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and a strong flavor profile that supports appetite and digestion. As a native fruit, they’re also a sustainable choice for local ecosystems.
21. Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia)
The Chickasaw plum is a small, wild plum native to the southeastern United States. It’s often found growing along roadsides and in fields. The fruit is tart and typically used in jellies, preserves, or as a wildlife food source. Despite its small size, it has a vibrant flavor.
Identification
- Skin: Red to yellow
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Small
- Taste: Tart and sharp
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Late spring to early summer
Benefits
Chickasaw plums are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and have astringent properties that may support digestion. Their tartness stimulates appetite and can help in detoxifying the body. These wild plums also play an important role in native landscaping and soil stabilization.
22. Canadian Plum (Prunus nigra)
Canadian Plums are native to northeastern North America and produce small to medium fruits with a strong, tart flavor. Though less common in gardens, they are valued for their cold-hardiness and use in hybrid breeding programs. The fruit is often cooked into sauces and jams.
Identification
- Skin: Yellow to deep red
- Flesh: Yellow
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Tart and fruity
- Shape: Round to slightly oval
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Canadian plums provide fiber and nutrients that promote digestive health. They are especially important in colder regions, offering a local fruit source with high resilience. Their tart profile is beneficial for making low-sugar jams or fermented products.
23. Munson Plum (Prunus munsoniana)
Munson plums are a lesser-known wild species found in the southern U.S. These small, tart fruits are typically reddish-purple and used more for wildlife and native plant conservation than for commercial consumption. However, they are edible and rich in natural flavor.
Identification
- Skin: Purple to reddish
- Flesh: Yellow to orange
- Size: Small
- Taste: Very tart
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Summer
Benefits
Munson plums are high in polyphenols and tannins, which are natural antioxidants. Though not widely consumed, they support ecological health and biodiversity. Their tartness helps stimulate digestion, and the fruit is often used in traditional remedies and survival foods.
24. Pluot
Pluots are hybrid fruits, typically 75% plum and 25% apricot. They come in many varieties with different skin and flesh colors. Known for their sweetness and juiciness, pluots are often more flavorful than standard plums and are popular in modern fruit markets.
Identification
- Skin: Varies—red, purple, green, speckled
- Flesh: White, yellow, pink, or red
- Size: Medium
- Taste: Extra sweet and aromatic
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Mid to late summer
Benefits
Pluots contain more sugar than most plums, offering a very sweet flavor profile. They’re rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Their hybrid nature also gives them a smooth texture and longer shelf life, making them ideal for both fresh eating and culinary use.
25. Aprium
Aprium is another plum-apricot hybrid, but it leans more toward the apricot side in flavor and genetics. These fruits have a dense texture, sweet taste, and a slightly fuzzy skin. They’re mostly grown in warm climates and are available in late spring and early summer.
Identification
- Skin: Golden-yellow or reddish
- Flesh: Orange
- Size: Small to medium
- Taste: Sweet and slightly tangy
- Shape: Round
- Ripens: Late spring to early summer
Benefits
Apriums are packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, supporting vision and skin health. Their dense texture makes them more filling, and their high antioxidant content can reduce inflammation. They’re a delicious seasonal fruit that bridges the gap between apricot and plum seasons.
