#2. Indian Plum/Osoberry

Scientific Name:

Oemleria cerasiformis (osmaronia cerasiformis)

Family Name:

Rose Family

Habitat:

Moist, open woods at low elevations

Characteristics:

1. Large shrub, small tree, 4-10 ft. tall.

2. Oval to elliptical leaves 3-5in long.

3. Cluster of 4-9 white flowers (5 petals ) hang from each leaf cluster.

4. Crushed flowers & leaves have cucumber odor or taste.

Uses or Importances:

1. Small plum-like berries, bluish-black in color. Not very tasty. Native Americans ate them as starvation food.

2. Important food for birds and small animals.