Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis) Sold as: 12”+ bareroot
Osoberry are a common staple of our local mature forest understory. Formerly known as Indian Plum, this deciduous shrub is one of the earliest plants to bloom. One way to tell an Osoberry apart from lookalikes is the strong cucumber scent that the leaves and buds produced when they are crushed between the fingers. This is a great addition to the landscape if you want to attract more wildlife, especially birds who dine on the small plum like berries. This can sometimes be confused with Black Twinberry, however the osoberry has an alternate leaf structure compared to the opposite structure of the twinberry. Flowers come in small, white, downward hanging clusters.
Classification: Perennial Key Characteristics: Early to bloom, small plum-like berries, strong scent of cucumber when crushed Light Requirements: Full Shade to Full Sun Water Requirements: Dry to Moist Ease of Growing: Easy Growth Rate: Fast Bloom Time: Early, February to April Spreads: By seed through fruit Type of support: Wildlife, pollinator, beneficial insects, riparian Edible: Berries are edible, but small amount of flesh with large seeds Mature Height: 15 feet Mature Width: 5-10 feet
