Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
Salmonberry is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its bright, edible berries and early spring blooms. 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.
Ecological Role
Salmonberry stabilizes streambanks, provides early nectar for pollinators, and produces fruit critical for birds and mammals. Its rapid growth following disturbance makes it an important species in early successional stages. Dense thickets create cover and nesting habitat