Indian Plum

Oemleria cerasiformis

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Oemleria
Species:
Oemleria cerasiformis
USDA Symbol:
OECE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
feb,mar,apr
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Adelphagrotis quarta, Adelphagrotis stellaris, Agrochola pulchella, Aseptis adnixa, Double Dart (Graphiphora augur), Fishia evelina, Pseudorthodes irrorata, Purple Arches (Agrochola purpurea), Synaxis jubararia

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies, small mammals
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers shaded or partially shaded areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 3-4 months.

Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed into fine mesh bags and soaked in a 1% hydrogen peroxide (3:1 water/3% hydrogen peroxide) for 24 hours, then rinsed and placed in water for an additional 48 hours. Seeds are then layered in peat and placed into cold stratification (1 to 3 °C) for 90 days. Seeds should be checked weekly and if mold is evident, they should be treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.

Establishment: Seeds are collected between May 7th and July 29th. The plant is found in canyons below 5,000 feet elevation, in the coastal and foothills of the Sierras; from Santa Barbara to Del Norte County and Tulare to Shasta County, California. There is a discrepancy in the length of the establishment phase between protocols, with one suggesting 3 to 4 weeks and the other suggesting 8 days.

Source: npn.rngr.net

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller