Thimbleberry, Brambles

This is a delightful, 'gentle-natured' plant that grows happily as an understory at the southern edge of our woodlands. I had planted it...Read More as part of my shade garden, and then ignored it for the last 4 years. The soil is well drained, more dry than moist, and quite acidic. I planted it four years ago as part of my shade garden, and then ignored it ever since. Thimbleberry has been slow to spread, about 12-18 inches high, with large, maple-like leaves in a lovely green color. It appears to be fairly disease resistant also. It makes for a very attractive ground cover, and I plan to transplant it to some other areas.

These are native to the northwest. They are moderately invasive but highly adaptable and good for less cultivated parts of the garden, or...Read More as a large (4 ft) ground cover between shrubs. I like their big soft, light green leaves, white flowers, and the little tasty red fruits.

This is one of my favorite plants for woodland borders. A natual transition plat between woods and grassland. Semi woody shrub grows to ...Read Morea height of four feet. Carefree once established. Hard to transplant as it sends up new plants via runners but could be grown from seed though not easy. I have heard many people say the fruit is flavorless, but it seems the further east you go the better the flavor. Also the white flowering version is tastier than the lavender flower variety. I first tasted the fruit in northen Wisconsin and found it quite good. Sort of a cross between raspberry and watermelon flavor. Berries average the size of a quarter and are exclellent for jellies but rather seedy for jams, same form as a raspberry but not as firm. Leaves are large (6 to 8 inches across) and look like maple leaves. Stems are hairy and can cause skin irritation. Grows well in a variety of soils from woodsy to semi sandy. Does not like heavy loam or compact soil though I have seen it poke through heavily compacted gravel parking lots! Prefers naturally loose soils. Does well in full sun (more fruit) to shade (larger plants, less fruit). Leaves can wilt or blacken in extreme dry heat, but fruit is unaffected. In the north, fruit is ready to pick in early to mid August. Earlier in the south. No thorns like raspberry. Have heard people say the blooms are fragrant, but there are far better choices if that is what you are looking for.

a native shrub in So. Oregon. Can be found along roadsides and disturbed places.