Overview
Rubus spectabilis is salmonberry, an upright deciduous shrub growing 4-12 feet (1.2-3.6 m) tall and 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) wide with sparse hooked prickles on the stems. Vivid magenta-pink (occasionally white) 5-petaled flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) on bare or leafing branches in February-May — among the earliest-blooming native Pacific Northwest shrubs. The early bloom coincides with Anna's hummingbird and bumblebee queen emergence. Medium green trifoliate leaves with three doubly serrated leaflets. Salmon-colored berries (golden-amber to orange-red to dark red) ripen July-August — the color varies genetically among individuals (spectabilis = notable/showy). Edible — mild flavor with a watery texture. In Rosaceae. Native to western North America — Alaska through California along stream banks, wetland edges, and wet forest understories. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes to form dense colonies in moist habitats — this rhizomatous spread is the primary limitation in garden settings. The colony can expand 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) per year in moist soil. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistently moist to wet conditions. Deer browse. The stems have sparse hooked prickles (far fewer than R. armeniacus). Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to western North America — from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon to California. Found along moist stream banks, wetland edges, wet forest understories, and coastal forests.Suggested Uses
Grown in wetland restoration, stream bank stabilization, native plant gardens, and wet woodland understories spaced 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m). Requires consistently moist to wet soil. Early spring hummingbird nectar. Edible salmon-colored berries. Aggressive rhizomatous spread. Native to Pacific Northwest. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 12'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to mid spring (February-May). Vivid magenta-pink 5-petaled flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) on bare or leafing branches. 8 weeks of bloom. Hummingbird- and bumblebee-visited. Salmon-colored berries ripen July-August.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Vivid magenta-pink (occasionally white), 5-petaled, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), single, on bare or leafing branches in February-MayFoliage Description
Medium green, trifoliate (three ovate doubly serrated leaflets), terminal leaflet largest at 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); turns yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (1-10 hours — tolerates deep shade). Consistently moist to wet soil pH 5.0-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes in moist soil — 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) per year. Contain with root barriers or allow to colonize. Deer browse. Sparse prickles on stems. Prune in late winter (January-February). Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.Pruning
Prune in late winter (January-February). Remove spent second-year canes at ground level. Thin the colony by removing excess rhizome shoots. The biennial cane cycle (primocanes year 1 → floricanes year 2 → die) is the same as other Rubus. Sparse prickles — gloves recommended but not critical.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring