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Landscaping Value:
Indian Plum or
Osoberry is a most welcome harbinger of spring in the low land
Puget Sound area. As early as February, Indian Plum is
awakening the forest under story with bright yellow-green leaves
unfurling just as pendulant white flowers fully open.
Fruits resemble small plumbs and are an excellent source of food
for wildlife. The native Americans of this region utilized the
fruits of Indian Plum as a food.
Suckering habit in shade. More compact in sun.
Useful for native and reclamation plantings in both urban and
suburban areas.
Fruit is edible, with a bittersweet taste. Valuable for
wildlife.
Propagate from seeds, root or hardwood cuttings,
or layering |
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Conditions:
Moist,
semi-shade areas. Tolerates dry areas and sun, and most soils.
Natural Range: Lowland,
west-side forests from British Columbia to California
Hardiness:
Zones
4-7 |
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References:
Grant, John A. , and Grant, Carol L. Trees and shrubs for Pacific
Northwest Gardens. 1990. Timber press. Oregon.
Kruckeberg, Arthur R. Gardening with native Plants of the Pacific
Northwest.1982. University of Washington Press. Seattle. |
|
at
a glance:
Common Name:
Indian
plum, Osoberry
Location: Throughout
the Native Garden, and the Loop Trail
Plant type: :
Deciduous native shrub
Family:
Rosaceae
Height/Spread:: 4
– 12 feet high, 3 – 8 feet wide
Leaves:
Alternate, pale-green, broadly lance-shaped. Smooth margins. Scent of
cucumbers when crushed
Flower:
Greenish-white in pendant clusters, arising from leaf axils.
Male and female flowers on separate plants.
Appear before leaves. Female flowers have larger petals
Fruit:
Purple-black, oval and up to one inch in size. Large pit
Height/spread:
Up to 20
ft tall, and 10 ft wide
Disease/pests:
No significant problems. Many older plants in the
Botanical Garden have died in the past few years. They had probably
reached the end of their life span.
Bloom Period:
February
-April |
Complete
Index
