Another native deciduous plant that graces our garden is Osmaronia cerasiformis  — Oso Berry or Indian Plum. Ours near the perennial beds is pruned into a tall tree, but it’s also common as a shrub. Oso Berry blooms at the same time as the red flowering currants. The tree emits a sweet, springtime fragrance, and birds seem to be wild about it. When I crush a leaf in my hand it smells remarkably like cucumbers! I love that it is in its natural habitat and requires no care, yet rewards us with these blossoms.

Update on 4/10:   Since I posted this about a week ago we have spotted many (dozens!) Oso Berry trees at Coppertop. They are native to this land and grow all along the stream and into the mountain.