Oemleria cerasiformis

Common Names

Indian Plum, Oso Berry, Osoberry, Oregon Plum, Bird Cherry

Summary

Oemleria cerasiformis is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to western North America (British Columbia to California), typically 5–20 feet tall with arching stems and dense thickets formed by suckering. It produces early-spring pendulous greenish-white flowers on separate male and female plants, with alternate lanceolate to oblong-egg leaves that have a cucumber-like scent when crushed; fruits are bluish-black drupes about 1/2 inch long and edible for humans when fully ripe, while bark is purplish-brown.

Preferring full sun to partial shade, it tolerates a moisture range from moist to dry soils and thrives in well-drained, humus-rich conditions; drought tolerance follows establishment. Propagation is possible by seed or vegetative methods (softwood/hardwood cuttings, suckers), with a planting density of 4–6 feet apart and occasional sucker management to control spreading. Used in restoration, wild and native gardens, hedges, and screens, it provides early nectar for pollinators and fruits for birds and mammals.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-20 feet

Spread

59-144 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich loam

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

No specific ideal soil pH, tolerates all pH levels, common range 5.5-7.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (February–April)

Foliage Color

Green, Pale green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division, Live Stakes, Suckers

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds