APPEARANCE
Up to 2 metres tall, this small shrub forms thick bushes. The five petal flowers are large and white and develop into raspberry-like fruit which are quite sweet.
RANGE & HABITAT
Thimbleberries are found in cool climate areas from Alaska to California and east to the Great Lakes. These plants thrive in open areas and are often found in clearings, roadsides, and open forests in low to mid level elevations.
LIFE CYCLE
The berries are full of seeds, and animals that eat the berries also spread the seeds away from the parent plant. Thimbleberries can spread with their huge root systems.
ANIMAL USES
Natives bees love to eat the thimbleberry nectar hidden deep inside the flowers. Bears and birds also like the berries.
TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Thimbleberries are harvested and made tea by mixing the berries with other local berries. The leaves are used to line baskets and the bark can be boiled and used to make soap.
OTHER USES
People make jellies and preserves from the berries.
STATUS
COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow
MORE INFORMATION
Photo: Nancy Turner
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