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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Oemleria (cerasiformis)

Lee Riley
Horticulturist
USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center
34963 Shoreview Road
Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424
541-915-7324
541-767-5709 (fax)
lee.riley@usda.gov
Family Scientific Name: Rosaceae
Family Common Name: Rose
Scientific Name: Oemleria cerasiformis
Common Name: Indian Plum
Species Code: OECE
Ecotype: Mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon
General Distribution: Canada, lower 48 states
Propagation Goal: Plants
Propagation Method: Seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 444 ml (27 in3) container
Time To Grow: 18 months
Target Specifications: Stock Type: Container seedling Root System: Firm plug in container
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are placed into fine mesh bags and soaked in a 1% hydrogen peroxide (3:1 water/3% hydrogen peroxide) 24 hours, rinsed, and placed in water for an additional 48 hours.
Seeds are layered in peat and placed into cold stratification (1 to 3 °C) for 90 days. It is very important to check seeds in peat weekly. If mold is evident, seeds should be treated with 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Greenhouse growing area. Seeds are directly sown into containers. Seeds are lightly covered with nursery grit. Growing medium used is 40:20:20:20 peat:composted fir bark:perlite:pumice with Apex controlled release fertilizer (16N:5P2O5:10K2O with minors; 6 to 7 month release rate at 21C) at the rate of 2 gram Apex per 444 ml container.
Establishment Phase: Germination is fairly uniform, but can take up to 3 weeks to be complete. During that time, plants may be lightly fertilized with soluble 12-2-14-6Ca-3Mg at 75 ppm.
Length of Establishment Phase: 3 to 4 weeks
Active Growth Phase: Plants are slow-growing, sometimes requiring 2 full growing seasons. Soluble fertilizer (20-9-20 NPK, 20-18-18 NPK, or 17-5-24 NPK) at 100 to 150 ppm is applied weekly throughout the growing season. If requiring a second growing season, seedlings are fertilized with Apex controlled release fertilizer (16N:5P2O5:10K2O; 6 to 7 month release rate at 21C) at the rate of 2 gram Apex per 444 ml container. Throughout the remainder of the growing season, seedlings are fertilized weekly with soluble 20-9-20 NPK or 20-18-18 NPK at a rate of 150 ppm.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 20 weeks
Hardening Phase: No dry-down is done to induce dormancy. Seedlings are moved to an outdoor growing area in early September.
Length of Hardening Phase: 3 to 4 weeks depending on chilling hours
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Harvest Date: Mid to late October
Storage Conditions: Seedlings are usually outplanted in fall. No storage except in outdoor growing area. Plants are well irrigated prior to shipping and shipped in containers.
Other Comments: Found in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Perennial shrub/tree.
Can grow 15-20ft tall.
Both flowers and leaves emerge long before those of most other deciduous shrubs in the area (typically late winter).
“Plums” in fall are olive-sized purple berries.
Grows on stream banks, roadsides, and open woods.
Tolerates full sun, partial shade, or shade.
Prefers moist to drier soils.
Best uses are in large woodlands and wild, open areas for land reclamation.
Fruits are a favorite of birds and other wildlife.
Can be propagated from treated seed or twig cuttings. A lengthy cold-moist stratification will overcome seed dormancy.
An important early season nectar source for hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies, native bees, and other pollinator species.
Popular in PNW restoration projects due to its ease of propagation, rapid growth, and wide tolerances for various shade and moisture regimes.
Considered unpalatable for livestock.
The fruit is edible for humans, but is often bitter, even when fully ripe.
A fast growing but relatively short-lived shrub.
Occurs primarily below 1000ft, but can be found up to 5000ft elevation.
Rarely suffers insect or disease injury, but can be susceptible to rhododendron lace bug, and conidia producing leaf spot fungus.
References: Dorena Genetic Resource Center Propagation Records, unpublished.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Oemleria cerasiformis (Torr. & A. Gray ex Hook. & Arn.) Landon. Indian Plum, Oso-berry. URL: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=OECE (Accessed 28 February 2024).

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Oemleria cerasiformis (Torr. & A. Gray ex Hook. & Arn.) Landon. Indian plum. URL: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=OECE (Accessed 28 February 2024).

Citation:

Riley, Lee E.; Klein, Kassandra. 2024. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Oemleria cerasiformis Plants 444 ml (27 in3) container; USDA FS - Dorena Genetic Resource Center Cottage Grove, Oregon. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/02/25). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.