 Breeding work in the 20th century resulted in improved "P. nigra x salicina" hybrid varieties that retain the high quality of Japanese plums and the hardiness of wild Canada plums, such as "Pembina", "Superior" and "Patterson Pride".The wood is bright red brown; heavy, hard, strong and close-grained, with a density of 0.6918.When wounded the wood turns an attractive red colour, and sawlogs of intentionally wounded trees are sought after by woodturners.