Damson trees are high vigor, productive, black-knot resistant, and adaptable to a broad range of soils and climates. They are self-fertile and do not require a pollenizer. The fruit ripens midseason, about ten days before Stanley.

From UC Davis: "This European plum is deciduous tree has dark bark and dark purple leaves, can grow to six meters in height. It is found in the wild in places that have a moist soil, along rivers and gullies. It is said that Damsons originally came from the area around Damascus in Syria, hence the name which allegedly derives from the Latin Prunum damascunum or "Plum of Damascus" and that they were introduced into England by the Romans where Damson skins where used in the manufacture of purple dye. However many of the wild plum cultivars colloquially referred to as "Damsons" seen growing wild may be hybrids (cross pollinations) of the native Blackthorn and Cherry Plum, Bullace or other cultivars. The Damson was introduced into the American colonies by English settlers before the American Revolution. It was regarded as thriving better in the continental United States than other European plum cultivars; many of the earliest references to European plums in American gardens concern the Damson. A favorite of early colonists, the tree has escaped from gardens and can be found growing wild in states such as Idaho. The skin of the Damson can have a very tart flavor, particularly when unripe (the term "damson" is often used to describe red wines with rich yet acidic plummy flavors)."