Oemleria cerasiformis Oso berry (Rosaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Oemleria cerasiformis
Oso berry
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Oemleria cerasiformis plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California. It is a member of the Rosaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Oso berry. Some home gardeners know the variety as Nuttallia cerasiformis. Osmaronia cerasiformis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Oemleria cerasiformis
Common Name:  Oso berry
Family:  Rosaceae
Author:  (Torr.&Gray.)Greene.

Known Hazards:  Although no specific mention has been found for this plant. it belongs to a family where the leaves, seed (and sometimes also the fruit) often contain significant amounts of hydrogen cyanide. This is the toxin that gives almonds their characteristic flavour and it should only be eaten in very small quantities. Since the fruit of this species is said to have almond-scented fruit it would be unwise to eat a large quantity of it. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Mature Height:  2.5   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Rocky valleys and canyons by streams, roadsides and moist to fairly dry open woods[60].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in an ordinary well-drained garden soil[11, 200], but becomes chlorotic on shallow soils over chalk[200]. Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive soil in a shady position[200]. Requires a sunny position according to another report[182]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[184]. This species grows well in a woodland garden or in a damp shady border[200]. The plants often sucker freely and can form dense thickets[188]. Old plants can be rejuvenated by cutting them back hard into the old wood in late winter, they will resprout freely from the base[200]. Growth can be restricted by removing suckers and cutting old shoots back or down to the base in late winter[188]. Some, if not all plants are dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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