Rubus parviflorus, July 20, 2021
R. parviflorus, July 15, 2021
Common & scientific name
Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus
Family
Rose, Rosaceae
Location
Difficult Trail, 8,300’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This rather sad-looking bloom represents the last of the flowers, before it drops its petals and becomes a berry. And just as I denigrate 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, our tastiest berry, a perfect blend of sweet and tart, and readily available trailside to boot: look for it in late July & early August.