Salmon berry (Rubus spectabilis) is a member of the rose family and closely related to other brambles such as blackberries and raspberries. It is a deciduous rhizomatous shrub which grows mostly in moist places and wetlands, and is especially abundant along stream sides and riparian areas. Salmonberries were picked and eaten raw or mixed with meat or dried salmon. Other parts of the plant, including the young shoots and the bark, were harvested and eaten or used for medicinal purposes. Today the berries are made into jams and jellies.
| Name | Salmonberry |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rubus spectabilis |
| Native | Native to the west coast of North America from west central Alaska to California, inland as far as Idaho |
| Plant Growth Habit | Deciduous rhizomatous shrub |
| Growing Climate | Grows in moist places and wetlands, and is especially abundant along stream sides and riparian areas. |
| Plant Size | 1–4 m (40-160 inches or 1.3-13.3 feet) tall |
| Stem | Erect or arching, woody stems that are covered with fine prickles |
| Leaf | Trifoliate (with three leaflets), 7–22 cm (2.8-8.8 inches) long, the terminal leaflet larger than the two side leaflets. The leaf margins are toothed. It has somewhat triangular or teardrop shape with jagged edges. The veins in the leaves form visible furrows. |
| Flower | 2–3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in diameter, with five pinkish-purple petals; they are produced from early spring to early summer. |
| Flowering Season | March to June |
| Fruit Shape & Size | Ovoid or globose, structure of the raspberry, 1.5–2 cm (0.6-0.8 inches) long with many drupelets |
| Fruit Color | Yellow to orange to deep red |
| Flavor/Aroma | Delectable aroma |
| Taste | Sweet to slightly sour taste |
| Season | June to August |