Indian Plum, also called Oso Berry, is most likely found in areas that are moist and shady. This is an erect bush or shrub sometimes over 10’ tall. It is easily recognized in the Spring
as it is the first to leaf out. In the Gardens it is the 1st shrub (competing with Salmonberry) to bloom, and in the summer the second to fruit (salmonberries mature earlier). As a first fruit it was highly prized by Native Americans and Pioneers (who found them bitter and somewhat astringent). Flowers are white and the fruit is yellow to orange to blue, edible and resembles a small plum when ripe. Native Americans used its twigs as an anesthetic, its bark for tea, and its fruit as a dietary supplement. Like aspen and other natives, it is dioecious with each plant having one gender. A member of the Rosaceae Family, it grows by Kiosk 06. Pilchuck Learning Center’s sponsored Western Washington State University SAM Project extinction possibility is slight; abundant, native to Cascadia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oemleria
https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=OECE
http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Oemleria
https://www.plc215.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Kiosk-06.pdf
https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Oemleria%20cerasiformis
The Indian Plum’s flower is the color:
Comments, content, questions appreciated; email bb@plc215.org
Copyright © 2024