Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus, also known as Salmonberry and Mountain Sorrel, is a dense, fruit bearing shrub, a species of raspberry, growing up to 2.5 meters in height and with canes up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Thimbleberry is frequently growing in large clumps which propagate through the plant’s below-ground rhizome and unlike most other members of the genus, it has no thorns.

The Rubus parviflorus leaves are palm-shaped, up to 20cm across, coarsely serrated, with five lobes, soft and fuzzed in texture. The flowers are large, 2 to 6cm in diameter, the largest of any Rubus species, with five white petals and numerous pale yellow stamens.

Thimbleberry Fruit

The Thimbleberry produces tartish edible fruit more or less 1cm in diameter, which mature to a bright red in mid to late summer. Fruit is larger but softer than raspberries and it doesn’t pack or ship well, so thimbleberries are seldom cultivated commercially. However, they make a first-class jam.

Thimbleberry Propagation Methods

Plant propagation is by underground rhizome but also by seed. The Thimbleberry is commonly found in forest understory but reaching its best growth in sunlight of forest openings or boundaries. Cultivars of Rubus parviflorus are used for ornamental purposes, bred for their aromatic flowers and appealing autumn leafage. Rubus parviflorus is a member of the family Rosaceae the genous Rubus.

Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus

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