Salmonberry is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and is quite similar to a raspberry in size and shape; except in contrast, its fruit color is yellow, orange, or red. Salmonberry is endemic to the Pacific Northwest. It is found in moist coastal forests, stream sides, bogs, and shorelines, but can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and woodland edges. Reddish purple flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. It often blooms before foliage appears in early spring. The bright reddish salmonberries are edible. Being the first berry to bear fruit in summer, this was an important food for indigenous peoples. Can tolerate some moisture in the soils and is used a lot in wetland mitigations. Thorns can help in traffic control.
Bloom time: early spring - early summer, berry ripens June - July