Description
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 along with other parts of the plant) but especially to native birds. Pollinated by a range of pollinators including hummingbirds, bees, and moths. Plants are a larval host for various butterfly and moth species. Possibly hardy to zone 5. Photo: Wikipedia.
