Rubus parviflorus, June 16, 2020
Common & scientific name
Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus
Family
Rose, Rosaceae
Location
Difficult Trail, 8,200’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Just as I finished denigrating the fruit of its cousin, Woods rose, as “mealy,” I am here to defend to the death the thimbleberry, often accused of same. When the berry of this lovely shrub is discretely chosen—it should be bright red, plump, and soft—it is hands down, in this writer’s opinion anyway, our tastiest berry, a perfect blend of sweet and tart, and readily available trailside to boot!