Osoberry
Oemleria cerasiformis
Also listed as Osmaronia cerasiformis, Nuttallia cerasiformis
Also known as Indian Plum, June Plum
Climate Match for your location
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Osoberry is a native Pacific Northwest deciduous shrub that produces delicate white to pink flower clusters in early spring, followed by small edible dark berries that ripen to black. It works well as a screening plant or in woodland gardens with moderate water availability.
Why grow it
Osoberry offers earlier spring interest than many Pacific Northwest native shrubs, with flowers appearing before leaf-out. Unlike many ornamental berries, the fruit is palatable to humans as well as wildlife, making it useful in polyculture settings where food production is a design goal. It tolerates partial shade and moist soils better than many native alternatives, broadening its placement options in woodland and riparian contexts.
Watch out for
Osoberry spreads by root suckers and can gradually colonize space beyond its initial planting zone, requiring periodic management if containment is desired. The plant performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and may show stress in very dry summers without supplemental water or heavy mulch.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, California)
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Osoberry is a native Pacific Northwest deciduous shrub that produces delicate white to pink flower clusters in early spring, followed by small edible dark berries that ripen to black. It works well as a screening plant or in woodland gardens with moderate water availability.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Osoberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Osoberry offers earlier spring interest than many Pacific Northwest native shrubs, with flowers appearing before leaf-out. Unlike many ornamental berries, the fruit is palatable to humans as well as wildlife, making it useful in polyculture settings where food production is a design goal. It tolerates partial shade and moist soils better than many native alternatives, broadening its placement options in woodland and riparian contexts.
Watch out for
Osoberry spreads by root suckers and can gradually colonize space beyond its initial planting zone, requiring periodic management if containment is desired. The plant performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and may show stress in very dry summers without supplemental water or heavy mulch.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, California)
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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