Oemleria cerasiformis aka Osoberry

Taxonomy ID: 10084

Oemleria cerasiformis, commonly known as osoberry or Indian plum, is a shrub that is native to the Pacific coast and ranges of North America, from British Columbia, Canada to Santa Barbara County, California. It is the sole species in the genus Oemleria. This shrub is among the first plants to leaf out and flowers early in the spring. It can reach a height of 1.5–5 m and has lance-shaped leaves measuring 5–12 cm long. The fruits of osoberry are edible and resemble small plums, turning dark blue when ripe. Indigenous peoples of the Americas incorporate osoberry into their diets, utilize the bark to make tea, and chew its twigs for their mild anesthetic and aphrodisiac properties. O. cerasiformis forms a dense thicket of erect stems up to 2.5m tall, with pale green leaves and small white flowers, male and female on separate plants. As a houseplant, Indian Plum is super rare and easy to grow, requiring regular watering for optimal growth. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within 1 foot of a window. Indian Plum belongs to the Oemleria genus and is native to Western North America.

Common names

Osoberry, Indian Plum

More information about Osoberry

How difficult is it to take care of Osoberry

With its straightforward care requirements, Osoberry is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

What is the region of origin of Osoberry

Osoberry’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

What are the water needs for Osoberry

Osoberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the sunlight requirement for Osoberry

Osoberry requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Indian Plum will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Is Osoberry toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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