Indian Plum, Oemleria Cerasiformis

Day 159: Less commonly known as "Osoberry," Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) is one of the first shrubs to flower in the Pacific Northwest. Typically, the leaves emerge as the inflorescence is developing, upright above a pendent cluster of greenish-white to white flowers. Male and female flowers are borne on different plants; the fruit resembles a small plum, pink in its early stages and maturing to a powdery blue-purple. The flesh of the fruit is quite sparing, though, little more than skin wrapped around a single pit. As a member of the cherry tribe, Oemleria's fruit, although considered edible, contains a small amount of cyanide which gives it a bitter taste until fully ripe. Best to leave this one for the birds!