Thimbleberry
(Scientific Name: Rubus
parviflorus)
Description:
An erect shrub 2-8 feet tall with showy white flowers 1-2 inches
across, flaky, reddish-brown bark and large, velvety, 5-lobed
leaves. The bright red bowl-shaped berries ripen in early
summer. This member of the rose family has no thorns or prickles.
Habitat: This is a plant of open woods and
brushy areas from sea level to about 8000 feet. It grows in sun or
shade and is very abundant, often forming large thickets.
Uses: The berries make good jams and jellies.
Both berries and tender young shoots were eaten by the Indians. The
large soft leaves make a fairly good toilet paper substitute.
