Where do plums come from?

Plums, known by the scientific name Prunus domestica, are a species originally from Asia. They were likely first grown in China and made their way to Rome by 65 B.C. Although some plums are native to North America, most plums in the United States are hybrids of the Japanese plum.

Within the United States, California produces the most plums, as its climate is ideal for the Japanese plum varieties. Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Michigan also produce many plums. The United States exports plums primarily to Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico and Taiwan, and most of its imported plums come from Chile.