Plum Blossom

Did you know

• The plum blossom is the national flower of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and symbolizes resilience in the face of hardship.
• Prunus mume blooms in the coldest weeks of winter, often while snow is still on the ground, symbolizing perseverance.
• The fruit is processed into umeboshi (pickled plums), a staple of Japanese cuisine eaten with nearly every rice meal.
• Chinese scholars grouped plum blossom with orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum as the 'Four Gentlemen' of art.
• Some specimens in China are over 1,600 years old and are protected as national heritage trees.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental tree
• fruit production (umeboshi)
• bonsai
• traditional art motif