Adaptable to a broad range of climates, this is one of the most consistently productive Japanese plums in western New York, and it performs very well on the West Coast. Shiro grows on a medium-sized, vigorous, hardy, and long-lived tree that is somewhat susceptible to brown rot but somewhat resistant to black knot. The habit is upright-spreading. This variety is partially self-fertile but it should be planted with another early-blooming Japanese plum for optimal cropping. Recommended partners include Methley, Santa Rosa, Satsuma, Vanier, Vampire, and Burbank. Studies suggest that Early Golden will not pollinate Shiro.

The medium sized fruit is a pretty golden-yellow, sometimes with a delicate pink blush, and slightly oval. The juicy flesh is a light, translucent yellow and has a tender, melting texture. The flavor is sweet and mild with a slightly tart skin. Shiro doesn't ship well, but it is a great plum for home gardens, farmstands, and U-pick orchards. Ripening early July in Geneva, NY (about ten days after Early Golden), Shiro is a very attractive early-season plum with broad appeal.

Shiro was developed by Luther Burbank, who also gave us Santa Rosa, Burbank, Beauty, and Wickson plums. Shiro was reported by Burbank to be a progeny of Robinson (Prunus munsoniana), Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera), and Wickson (a cross of Prunus triflora and Prunus simonii) from a Wickson seed. It was introduced in 1899.