Indian Plum

Scientific name

Oemleria cerasiformis

Description

Indian Plum is a fast growing, deciduous shrub species that typically grows between 4 and 6 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Oso Berry, Oregon Plum, or Bird Cherry. The leaves are alternately arranged, lime green colored, narrow lance shaped, and have entire margins. The flowers are greenish white colored, almond scented, appear in drooping clusters, and bloom between February and April. The fruits are round, pitted, resemble small plums or olives, are edible to humans, and mature to a purplish black color between June and July. The food and habitat provided by this shrub are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and mammals. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. Fruit production is poor without multiple individuals. This is one of the first shrubs to bloom, with flowers appearing in late winter. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. This is a valuable species for re-vegetating riparian areas.

Planting conditions

Indian Plum grows best in moist to normal conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, organically rich loam or humus soil types. This plant can be naturally found in open forests, forest edges, moist slopes, beside roadways, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Loamy
  • Humus
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
  • 8b
  • 9a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 4-6 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m