Description
Oso berry is one of the earliest blooming deciduous shrubs in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, blooming in late winter to early spring. The pendent white flower clusters are a harbinger to spring, catching the eye and pleasing early-season pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, moths and pollinating flies. Native to California, Oregon and Washington, Oso berry is also frequently called Indian plum because Native Americans ate the fresh fruit, in addition to drying and cooking the fruit. Although edible the fruit is considered bitter. Oso berry is in the rose family and typically grows 6′-16′ tall. It is the only species in the genus Oemleria. Plants are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. In the wild Oso berry grows in dry forests, mixed conifer forests, along streams, in chaparral, in oak woodland, and in open moist settings. Oso berry is tolerant to a wide variety of moisture and sun levels.
Oso berry (Oemleria cerasiformis) seed packets contain approximately 12 seeds. This species has large seeds.
Seed Germination Instructions
90-120 days cold-moist stratification. Sow seeds outside in fall.
