Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Rubus parviflorus Nutt.
Thimbleberry, Western thimble-berry
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Western thimble-berry is an erect, unarmed,
shrub, 1 1/2-5 ft. tall with gray, flaking bark; strong, flexible stems; large, shiny, maple-like,
deciduous leaves; terminal clusters of white (sometimes pink-tinged) flowers; and red, raspberry-like fruit. Erect, unarmed
shrub with palmately lobed leaves and raspberrylike fruits.
The
genus Rubus, Latin name meaning “bramble,” includes cultivated raspberries and blackberries, as well as a host of wild species, including more than a dozen
native to western North America. Thimbleberry derives its name from the shape of its fruit. The species name
parviflorus means “small-flowered,” a curious choice for this
shrub, whose flowers are among the largest in the genus. The fruits are important seasonal food for numerous birds and mammals, including bears, and are a welcome, if not inspired, trailside snack. Wild Red Raspberry (
R. idaeus) has much smaller flowers, prickles on
stem, and
compound leaves with 3 or 5 leaflets, Black Raspberry (
R. leucodermis) has recurved thorns, small white flowers whose
sepals are longer than the petals,
compound leaves, and black fruits.
Image Gallery:
6 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Green
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , IL , IA , MA , MI , MN , MT , NV , NM , OR , SD , UT , WA , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
ON Native Distribution: Ont. to n. MN & AK, s. to mts. of NM, AZ & CA
Native Habitat: Open, wooded hillsides; stream banks; canyons
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Valuable to songbirds, game birds, and large and small mammals.
Warning: Plant has thorns or prickles.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Rubus parviflorus is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2010-05-01
