Fruit Of The Indian Plum

Day 251: Now more often referred to by the name of Osoberry, Oemleria cerasiformis will be listed in many field guides as "Indian Plum." I learned it that way, and since the "oso-" prefix means "bear" and an entirely different plant is called "Bearberry," I find it difficult to shift to the new common name. Again I will say it: this is why I prefer the Latin nomenclature. There can be no mistaking Oemleria for Arctostaphyllos. Yes, bears do enjoy these small "plums" when they can get them, and it's not uncommon to find bear scat liberally salted with the stones which resemble a cherry pit, but most likely the birds will beat them to the fruit. The native peoples of the area used the thin flesh in pemmican, and made tea of the leaves and bark. The wood rarely reaches a sufficient diameter to be of any major use, but is straight-grained and strong, and can be carved to make spoons, knitting needles and other small implements.