Thimbleberry

Rubus parviflorus

Physical Characteristics

Rubus parviflorus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to Ontario and California. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[62, 101, 118, 183]. It makes excellent jams and preserves[257]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[183]. A sweet and pleasant flavour[2, 85, 94] though this is not always properly developed in the cooler summers of Britain[11]. The fruit is very seedy[155]. Rich in vitamin C[183]. The hemispherical fruit is about 20mm in diameter[200]. Young shoots - peeled and eaten cooked or raw[2, 85, 101, 118, 172]. The shoots are harvested as they emerge in the spring, and whilst they are still young and tender[161, 183]. They can be cooked like asparagus[257]. The shoots are rich in vitamin C[183]. Flowers - raw[172].

Medicinal Uses

Antiemetic Antiphlogistic Appetizer Astringent Blood tonic Dysentery Poultice Salve Stomachic Tonic Vitamin C Women's complaints The leaves are antiemetic, astringent, blood tonic and stomachic[172, 257]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of stomach complaints, diarrhoea and dysentery, anaemia, the spitting up of blood and to treat vomiting[238, 257]. An infusion has been taken by women when their periods are unusually long[257]. A poultice of the dried powdered leaves has been used to treat wounds and burns[257]. The leaves have been crushed and rubbed over the skin to treat pimples and blackheads[257]. A poultice of the leaf ashes, mixed with oil, has been used to treat swellings[257]. The young shoots are alterative and antiscorbutic[257]. The roots are appetizer, astringent, stomachic and tonic[172, 257]. An infusion has been used by thin people to help them gain weight[257]. An infusion has also been used in the treatment of stomach disorders, diarrhoea and dysentery[238, 257]. A decoction of the roots has been taken in the treatment of pimples and blackheads[257].

Known Hazards

None known