Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is a thornless, colony‑forming deciduous shrub native to Utah and the wider Intermountain West and a wild relative of raspberries! Its large, soft, maple‑shaped leaves provide bold texture and seasonal interest, turning brilliant yellow or orange to maroon in the fall. In spring it produces clusters of fragrant, crinkled white blossoms that attract bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By mid to late summer the plant yields bright red, thimble‑shaped, delicate fruits edible that are savored by song‑birds, small mammals, and gardeners alike! Thimbleberry thrives in full sun with enough moisture or partial shade in well‑drained loamy soil, tolerates moderate drought once established, and spreads via underground rhizomes to form effective erosion‑control groundcover on slopes or streambanks. Use Thimbleberry in vegetable and fruit gardens, food forests, or as a beautiful understory plant in shade or woodland gardens. Berries are produced on last year's growth, so old canes should be removed immediately after the fruit is harvested. 
Photo Credit: Leslie Seaton, Kryzsztof Ziarnek, and Matt Lavin