Salmon Berries

Salmon Berries


Salmon Berries are a raspberry shaped fruit that will drift between an orange to a lighter yellow, they have a bittersweet taste. These berries are known to be loved by hikers and various animals. They are also an important source of food for hummingbirds.
There scientific name is Rubus spectabilis and grow in the pacific northwest. The berries grow in bushes that are around six feet tall and six feet wide. The leaves are are fuzzy and three pointed, and the stems have thorns, that depending upon the time of the year will be dangerous to the hikers that are walking by. They have small pretty pink bell shaped flowers that bloom June and August. They grow in moist areas with full, or mild sunlight. Because of their love for moisture they are often found near rivers and oceans. Salmon berries have very high levels of vitamin C, more so than other types of berries. They are also very high in antioxidants, so they are very good for you. Natives used to not only eat the berries, but also the young shoots of the plant.

References:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-salmonberries.htm
http://alaskatrekker.com/berrypicking.htm
http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/nativeplants/Rubus_spectabilis.html