Thimbleberry

Thimbleberry is a beautiful shrub that spreads to form large patches, so it’s best to plant them in a space where they can naturalize. They are especially lovely in early summer when in bloom. While they grow in full shade, they bloom best in sun or part-shade, so consider their placement.  The highly perishable fruit are great eaten fresh out of hand and also in jam. Many berry-pickers have padded their bank accounts selling berries to local jam makers. An excellent plant for wildlife, the  fragrant white flowers attract bumblebees and other pollinators, and the edible berries that appear in mid- to late summer are as popular with the birds as they are with humans. Thimbleberry grows easily in any rich medium-moist soil, but also tolerates dry, infertile conditions.