Native Plant Spotlight- Salmonberry
What is Salmonberry?
Salmonberry or Rubus Spectabilis is a native shrub. Its range extends from California up into Alaska. It is often found along areas with moist soils such as wetlands, river edges and moist forest understory. They prefer areas with partial shade. The leaves of salmonberry are green with three leaflets with small thorns or prickles on the bottom side. The prickles also grow on the stems of the plant. These prickles are not as tough as blackberry but you should still use caution when handling.
The plant produces pink flowers in April and May. The berries of the plant then ripen to a red or orange color in June to July. These berries are the first to ripen for the season and are edible to both wildlife and humans. The flavor of the berries will vary plant to plant. If you find a patch where you enjoy the flavor make sure you remember where it is!
Salmonberry as a Wildlife Plant
The pink flowers of the plant also provide an early nector and pollen source for butterflies, native bees, honeybees and hummingbirds. These berries have been considered an important food source to indigenous peoples and wildlife due to their early ripening period. The berries provide food for a variety of birds and mammals including robins, towhees, wrens, squirrels and bears. The young leaves and stems are also foraged by deer and rabbits. The salmonberry will grow into a dense thicket that provides smaller animals a place to rest and hide from predators.
Plant Growth Habits
Salmonberry can grow very dense forming thickets when grown in areas with full sun exposure. The plant can grow to about 6 to 10 ft tall and up to 10 ft wide.
To maintain a more uniform shape, prune in the winter. If working with an older plant you can prune heavily to stimulate new growth. After flowering in the summer you can prune back old growth canes all the way to the base to encourage continued new growth.
For Further Reading Check Out
https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rubspe/all.html