Rubus spectabilis (Salmonberry)
Salmonberry is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its bright, edible berries and early spring blooms. Ecologically, it provides food and habitat for wildlife, including birds and pollinators. Salmonberry prefers damp, shaded environments such as riparian corridors, forest edges, and clearings. It is commonly found in lowland and coastal forests. Flowers appear as early as March, and berries ripen from May to July, offering one of the first berries available for harvest each year.
Key identifying features include bright pink to magenta, rose-like flowers with five petals and compound, toothed leaves resembling raspberry leaves. The berries, which range in color from yellow-orange to deep red, resemble raspberries but are slightly larger and softer. Its stems often have fine, soft prickles but lack the dense thorns found on other Rubus species.
Salmonberries are most commonly foraged as fresh fruit, enjoyed raw or added to jams, jellies, and desserts. Their tart-sweet flavor pairs well with other berries, and they are prized for their early availability in the foraging season. The young shoots are also gathered in spring as a tender, nutritious vegetable.