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Oemleria cerasiformis
Oso berry
Deciduous shrub
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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].
Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[46, 61, 118, 183]. A poor flavour[106]. The fruit looks like a small plum but is very bitter with an almond flavour[11]. The fully ripe fruit loses most of its bitterness[256]. The fruit only has a thin layer of flesh[200]. The fruit can be dried and stored for winter use[257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
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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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