About
Oemleria cerasiformis, the oso berry or Indian plum, is a suckering, deciduous shrub to 2.5 m forming a dense thicket of upright stems with pale-green, lance-shaped leaves. Drooping racemes of small, almond-scented, white flowers open very early in spring before the leaves, followed on female plants by plum-like, blue-black fruits. One of the earliest-flowering garden shrubs.
About the genus
Oemleria are suckering, deciduous shrubs with lance-shaped leaves and drooping racemes of small, fragrant flowers opening before the leaves in early spring, followed on female plants by plum-like purple fruits. Male and female plants needed for fruit.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW North America
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. In moist soil, plants may sucker extensively; remove excess suckers to restrict growth
PruningPruning group 1 or Pruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe, take greenwood or softwood cuttings in early summer. Transplant suckers in early autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay become chlorotic in shallow, chalky soil