Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorusis) is a dense, spreading deciduous shrub that grows 4-8 feet tall and wide. It is a friendly plant with large, soft, fuzzy leaves and no thorns or prickles. The white flowers have five petals and a pale yellow center. The delicious fruits are like large, soft, tart raspberries.
Thimbleberries are used by many kinds of wildlife year round. They are important sources of nectar, nest material, and winter shelter for native bees. Yellow-banded sphinx moths eat the leaves when young, and the berries are eaten by dozens of species.
These thicket-forming plants typically grow along roadsides, railroad tracks, and in forest clearings, commonly appearing soon after clear cuts and forest fire areas. In urban areas, thimbleberries can form a natural hedge at the back of the garden or provide cover on sunny, dry hillsides.
In favorable conditions, this shrub can grow very large very fast, and will try to spread by runners once established. Fortunately it also tolerates heavy annual pruning to keep it under control.
