Native Plants

Thimbleberry

Rubus parviflorus

Thimbleberry is a native deciduous shrub with upright, thornless canes and broad, maple-like leaves. White flowers from late spring into summer give way to soft, edible red fruit that also feeds birds and other wildlife. In Southwest Washington, it suits a woodland edge or naturalized planting where its spreading habit has room. Canes commonly reach about 3 to 8 feet tall, while the patch can continue widening; plan for its eventual colony rather than a fixed shrub width. A sunny or partly shaded site with moist soil and good drainage suits its spreading growth. After fruiting or in late winter, remove old canes as needed.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 3–8 feet
Mature spread: Spreads into colonies
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Cold-hardy; to USDA Zone 3

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Thimbleberry suits a woodland edge, wildlife planting, or naturalized area. Its flowers support pollinators, and its fruit feeds birds and other wildlife.

Where to plant

Choose a site where a spreading patch is welcome. Allow for the colony's eventual width rather than treating each cane as a separate shrub.

Through the seasons

Large, maple-like leaves accompany white flowers from late spring into summer. Soft, edible red fruit follows.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This Pacific Northwest native suits cool, moist sites in Southwest Washington. It can grow at woodland edges and in other naturalized plantings.

Soil, drainage & water

Moist, organic, slightly acidic, well-drained soil suits it. Thimbleberry tolerates brief seasonal wetness and some drier sites, though it grows best with moisture.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Prune old or spent canes after fruiting or in late winter. Remove canes that extend beyond the space allotted to the patch.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Unwanted spread

New canes appear beyond the intended planting area.

Help your plant thrive

Allow room for a colony and remove unwanted canes when they appear.

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for your place.

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