Thimbleberry
Other Names: Redcaps, Salmonberry
Family: Adoxaceae
Native to: Eastern North America, Interior North America, Western North America
Hardy to zone: 3
Eco benefits: attracts pollinators, erosion control, attracts birds, edible fruit
Natural habitat: waters edge, inner forests, forest edge
Shapes: multi-stemmed, clump, upright
Height: up to 8ft
Unique attractions: fall colour, leaves, flowers, fruit
Common uses: naturalized plantings
Light: full sun, partial shade
Soil: moist and fertile, well drained, tolerates heavy clay, ph adaptable, acid ph, sandy
Thimbleberry is an attractive perennial shrub Native to North America (mainly in the west and north). It's Thicket forming vie underground rhizomes, preferring rich well drained slightly acidic soils. Its natural habitat includes riverbanks, forest edges, thickets, and disturbed areas. Large hairy leaves resemble that of maple in shape are of colourful interest in the fall. Large fragrant white flowers appear in late spring to mid summer followed by tasty edible spherical fruit similar to raspberry. These appear appear mid to late summer on smooth stems which lacks pricks (unlike it's close relatives).
