Indian Plum | Oemleria cerasiformis - Benton Soil And Water Conservation District

Indian Plum | Oemleria cerasiformis

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Photo Credit: Seven Oaks Native Nursery

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Photo Credit: Seven Oaks Native Nursery

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Deciduous shrub with leaves that are pale-green and broadly lance-shaped; they smell like cucumber when crushed. The flowers are greenish-white in a somewhat bell-shape that hang in 2-4″ clusters from the stem. Indian plum, also known as osoberry, has white flowers that yield small unpalatable purple fruits. Blooms early in the spring (February/March).

Plant Details

Habitats	Oak Woodland, Upland Prairie and Savanna, Riparian Forests, Bottomland Forests, Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland
Habitat Notes	Bottomland Forest; Riparian Forest; Oak woodland; Upland Prairie and Oak Savanna
Arboretums
Years Planted at Arboretums	2011, 2010
Mature Height	16’
Shade Preference	full sun, part shade, shade
Soil Tolerance	Dry to moist soils
Special Uses	Attracts insects, bees and butterflies; Attracts birds; Attracts hummingbirds; Ornamental.

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A lush forest scene with tall oak trees, green leaves, moss, and undergrowth, under a clear blue sky.

Oak Woodland

Oregon White Oaks dominate these woodlands and may support an open to moderately shrubby understory. Over thirty percent of the canopy shades the ground, but still filter light allowing oak seedling…

A scenic view of a vibrant field of purple flowers, a rustic barn, green hills, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Upland Prairie and Savanna

Upland prairies or open grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in Oregon. Historically, they occurred across the Willamette Valley and are vegetated by perennial grasses and annual or…

A lush green riparian forest with tall red alder trees and a rocky stream running through it.

Riparian Forests

Riparian areas are defined by NRCS as ecosystems that occur along waterways and water bodies. They serve as the transition between aquatic and terrestrial zones.

Bottomland Forests

Bottomland forests are generally used to describe forests which are comprised of both hardwood and softwood tree species that occur on low-elevation, alluvial floodplains or lower terraces of rivers…

A dense forest with tall trees and lush green undergrowth.

Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland

Mixed hardwoods and conifers characterize this habitat which is widespread in western Oregon in the medium elevations of the hills of the Coast Range. Precipitation is higher in this habitat than in…