Salmonberry, Thimbleberry
Rubus spectabilis
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A prickly shrub. It grows 1.8 m tall and spreads 1.8 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The stems are upright. It has small thorns. The leaves have 3 egg shaped leaflets. The flowers occur singly and are pink or purple. The fruit is a berry which is edible. It is a yellow-pink colour.
There are about 250 Rubus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in shaded swamps and damp woods. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They are also dried or made into tarts and jelly. The young shoots are peeled and eaten raw or roasted. The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
It is also cultivated.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit, stem, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Qaax.