Plants - Pacific Northwest

Rubus Parviflorus: Thimble berry

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Rubus Parviflorus: Thimble berry

Thimbleberries are common relatives of the raspberry and grow best in open woods, growing in thickets three to six feet high. Unlike the raspberry, the thimble berry grows branched canes which do not die every year (the new shoots and growth buds that pop out in early spring can be eaten). Later in the spring, large, showy leaves appear, followed by large, white flowers. The plant blooms late April until early August, producing continuous crops of tasty red berries. The berries form a red cap and are very seedy. When picked the ripened berries are very delicate, soft and mushy.

Northwest Indians made dried cakes and jelly, also thimble berry pies.