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Indian plum

Oemleria cerasiformis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Bolinas Frank

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

60"–180" H × 48"–96" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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One of the earliest shrubs to leaf out and flower each year, with drooping clusters of small white flowers appearing before most other plants have broken dormancy. It forms an upright, suckering thicket at woodland edges.

Wildlife value

Its very early bloom timing makes it a critical first nectar source for native bees emerging from winter, and birds eat the plum-like fruit.

Common questions

How much sun does Indian plum need?
Indian plum grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Indian plum bloom?
Indian plum blooms in February, March, and April.
Where is Indian plum native?
Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Indian plum attract?
Indian plum draws bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Indian plum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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