Indian plum
Oemleria cerasiformis
Last reviewed: August 2026

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
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaOne 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz