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Description
The Oemleria cerasiformis is a deciduous shrub grows five to sixteen feet tall and is one of the first natives to put on leaves and flower in early spring. Leaves are alternate and bright yellow-green. Flowers appear before the leaves in February and early March, and hang in elongated, greenish-white clusters. Only female plants produce the small (about ½ inch long) plum-like fruit, which ripen from peach to orange to dark purple by early June.
Habitat
Moist to dry sites; along stream banks, rivers, and wetlands (but never in saturated soils), and in open woodlands. Full sun to partial shade, but prefers shade.
Beneficial Uses
Flowers are an early nectar source for bees and other insects. Fruits are edible to humans, but are quickly eaten by birds and other wildlife.