Thimbleberry

Closely related to the raspberry, thimbleberry canes are distinguish by their leaf shape, similar to a maple, their pink flowers, similar to a wild rose, and lack of thorns. The berries taste similar to a raspberry, but are not juicy. Rather, they have a fuzzy, dry texture, much like an apricot, with a crunchy seed in each drupelet to give it that poppy-seed crunch. Unlike raspberries, thimbleberries come off the vine as thin cups. In certain regions of North America, they grow wild and abundant in and around suburban parks and forest trails, and are more common than wild raspberries. An excellent choice for an edible local plant to grow in one’s own garden.