Acknowledgments

Introduction

Featured Trees

Tree Location

Additional Feature Photos

Dawn Redwood

Kentucky Coffeetree

Ornamental Pear

Blue Beech

Northern Catalpa

Ginkgo

American Yellowwood

River Birch

Red Pine

Magnolia

Japanese Tree Lilac

Quaking Aspen

Tulip Tree

Eastern Redbud

Eastern White Pine

Amur Maackia

Autumn Purple Ash

Crabapple 'Donald Wyman'

Princess Kay Canadian Plum

Ruby Red Horsechestnut

Black Locust ‘Purple Robe’

Northern Pin Oak

Freeman Maple

Black Alder

Littleleaf Linden

Balsam Fir

Norway Spruce 'Acrocona'

Trees Company

Glossary

References

 (Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay')

The Princess Kay Canadian Plum (Prunus nigra 'Princess Kay') is an ornamental Plum tree which was discovered in the wild in Itasca County, near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, near the headwaters of the Mississippi River by Catherine (Kay) and Robert Nyland.

The Prunus nigra and Prunus americana varieties of Plum trees have overlapping characteristics and often cross pollinate.  The Princess Kay Plum rarely produces fruit and the double flowers last several days longer than the other Plum species. 

Since the branches in spring are laden with double white flowers, many view the appearance as though the tree is covered in popcorn.  Sometimes called the Popcorn Tree, the Princess Kay Canadian Plum's fragrant, white flowers emerge before the foliage.

The blooms of the Princess Kay Canadian Plum tree often remind viewers of another popular flowering prunus species: the spectacular flowering cherry species found in Washington, D.C. and celebrated each spring during Cherry Blossom Time.

This small, ornamental flowering tree normally reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet.  The trunk and branches are dark brown and have large white lenticels that add much winter interest. The leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall.

Winona State has two young Princess Kay Plums located just below the windows on the south side of Baldwin Lounge of Kryzsko Commons Student Union.  The location is perfect for students studying for final exams in late April and early May, just as the Princess Kay Plum trees are blooming.

(see #63 on the maps)