Oemleria cerasiformis

Oemleria cerasiformis is a BC native known as Indian plum or osoberry. It blooms early in the spring with fruit in early summer.

Oemleria cerasiformis is a BC native known as Indian plum or osoberry. It grows as a large deciduous shrub or small tree. It blooms in early spring with pendulous white flowers that smell of almonds. Male and female flowers are produced on different plants so at least two plants will be required to get fruit. The fruit hangs in clusters turning at first to peach tones, then red, then to purple-black in early summer and can be quite ornamental. The fruit can be bitter and astringent but when fully ripe can be palatable to humans (and was eaten by First Nations peoples as well as other parts of the plant) but especially to native birds. Pollinated by a range of pollinators including hummingbirds, bees, and moths. Possibly hardy to zone 5. Photo: Wikipedia.

Common Name:  Indian Plum

Family:  Rosaceae (The Rose Family)

Zone Hardiness:  6-10

Light:  Part Sun, Part Shade

Height:  10-15'

Width:  5-8'

Primary Bloom Colour:  White/Cream

Secondary Bloom Colour:  

Foliage Colour:  

Class:  Deciduous

Type:  Shrub

Bloom Time:  

Soil Moisture:  Average, Moist, Dry

Stem Colour:  

Fragrance:  Yes

Berries:  Purple

Benefits:  Hummingbirds Butterflies Bees

Deer Resistant:  Unknown

BC Native:  Yes

Native Habitat:  Moist to dry open forests, forest margins, thickets, streambanks, open areas and roadsides at low elevation from southern BC to northern California.

Award:  

Geographical Origin: