Black knot is one of the most common ailments to afflict plum trees, and reports from Dr. Ralph Scorza at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station suggest that Bluebyrd may be resistant to this disease. The tree has an erect growth habit, is vigorous, hardy (well adapted to the mid-Atlantic region), and productive. Fruit thinning is recommended for years when fruit set is especially heavy. This tree is not self-fertile and will require a pollinizer. It has an early bloom and compatible varieties include Bluefre, Green Gage, President, Stanley, and Reine Claude de Bavay.

Bluebyrd produces fruit that is bright blue with a waxy finish and yellow fleshed. These plums are slightly ovate and about two inches long. The flesh is firm, clings slightly to the stone, and has an excellent sugar-acid balance. This is a very sweet plum that makes a great treat for fresh eating and is suitable for canning and drying.

Bluebyrd is named after US Senator Robert C. Byrd, who dedicated the West Virginia research facility that produced this plum.