Rubus parviflorus, thimbleberry
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Deciduous Shrubs

Rubus parviflorus

thimbleberry

Rosaceae

Western North America (Alaska to California, east to Great Lakes)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)
Width3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Rubus parviflorus is a deciduous, thornless, suckering shrub reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m), forming loose, open colonies through rhizomatous root spread. Unlike most Rubus species, this shrub is completely unarmed — no thorns or prickles. Stems are erect, unbranched or sparsely branched, with shredding bark on older canes. Leaves are alternate, simple (not compound — unusual for Rubus), palmately 3-5-lobed, maple-like, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) across, soft, velvety-pubescent, medium to bright green. This large, distinctive leaf shape is the primary identification feature. Flowers are white, 5-petaled, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, resembling a single rose, borne in terminal clusters of 3-7 in May to June. Fruit is an aggregate drupe, 0.5-0.75 inch (13-19 mm) across, dome-shaped to hemispherical (thimble-shaped), bright red, soft, with a delicate, sweet, slightly dry flavor. Fruit separates from the receptacle when ripe, leaving the core behind. Growth rate is moderate at 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. Spreads steadily by rhizomes but is far less aggressive than Rubus armeniacus. An important food plant for many native wildlife species. Common along forest trails, streams, and clearings throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Native Range

Native to western North America, from southeastern Alaska south to California, east to the Great Lakes region and New Mexico. Occurs in moist forest openings, streambanks, avalanche tracks, burned areas, and trailsides from sea level to 9,000 feet (2,750 m). Common throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted in native plant gardens, woodland edges, streamside plantings, and naturalized areas, spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) apart. Excellent for erosion control on moist, shaded slopes. The large, maple-like foliage provides a bold texture in shade gardens. Fruit is enjoyed fresh; a traditional food of Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples. Wildlife value is high: fruit is eaten by bears, birds, and small mammals. Combines well with native ferns, Cornus stolonifera, and Oemleria cerasiformis.

How to Identify

Identified by large, maple-like, palmately lobed, soft velvety leaves (not compound — unique among common Rubus), completely thornless stems, white rose-like flowers, and bright red thimble-shaped fruit. Distinguished from all other Rubus by the simple, maple-like leaves (other Rubus have compound leaves). Distinguished from Acer (maple) by alternate (not opposite) leaves, white flowers, and aggregate fruit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
White, rose-like flowers in terminal clusters of 3-7 appear in May to June, lasting 3-4 weeks. Fruit ripens in July to August over a 3-4 week period. Fruit is soft and delicate, best eaten fresh immediately; does not store or transport well.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Medium to bright green, soft velvety

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant in shade but benefit from supplemental water in dry summers. Plant in part shade to full shade with 2-6 hours of direct light; tolerates full sun with adequate moisture. Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Mulch with organic matter. Spreads by rhizomes; site where gradual colony formation is acceptable, or install a root barrier. Essentially pest- and disease-free. An excellent low-maintenance native for the Pacific Northwest.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead canes at any time. Cut oldest, nonproductive canes to the ground in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth. Thin colonies by removing unwanted suckers at the perimeter. Unlike fruiting Rubus, thimbleberry does not follow the biennial cane cycle strictly — canes can persist and fruit for more than two years.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic