Western Thimbleberry
Rubus parviflorus
Rose Family (Rosaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
Thickets of erect canes can create a dense stand that is topped by large, maple-like leaves. The whole plant has a soft look. The stems and leaves have no prickles or thorns but are covered with a light fuzz. In spring, substantial white flowers bloom above the leaves. In summer, thimble-shape berries turn from light to dark red and have a similar soft or dull appearance.
Similar To
California Blackberry and Himalayan Blackberry.
Looks similar to blackberry plants. Thimbleberry is one of two upright/erect shrubs found in the county, the other being Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), which typically occurs in closer proximity to the coast.
Height / Size
2 to 8 feet tall.
Leaves
Palmately 5-veined leaves; fine to occasionally densely-hairy on the abaxial leaf surface (underside).
Flower
White flowers with five petals and numerous stamens bloom above the leaves. Flowers are 1 to 2 inches across.
Bloom Time: March to May
Fruit / Seed
A dull, muted or matte, light to bold red, edible fruit that resembles a raspberry ripens in summer from June to July.
Habitat
Partly-shaded forest openings and on moist woodland canyons or slopes.
Location / Range
Nearly all trails; common. Hazelnut Trail. East end of Weiler Ranch Trail. Ranges beyond California to southern Alaska, Ontario, New Mexico, northern Mexico.
Lifespan
Perennial.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Each thimbleberry is a fragile cluster of small individual berries (drupelets) and must be carefully picked from the stem. If picked off in one piece, you’ll see a hollow in the middle of the berry…like a thimble. Berries are too delicate for commercial use and are used more as decorative native plants.
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Ethnobotany
Numerous ethnobotanical applications by the indigenous groups inhabiting regions where thimbleberry occurs. The berries are eaten raw, but are also easily dried for long-term storage or usage in other culinary applications. Similarly, young shoots can be eaten raw or also cooked as a (reportedly sweet) vegetable.
Nature Talks:
Sources:
Calscape
Jepson eFlora
iNaturalist
VanderWerf, Barbara. 1994. Montara Mountain. Gum Tree Lane Books, El Granada, CA, pg. 70