Rubus spectabilis is a deciduous shrub in the family Rosaceae (Klinkenberg 2017), closely related to cultivated raspberries and blackberries.
Description:
The multiple woody stems arise from an underground base. The older golden-brown stems arch slightly and grow to 4 m tall. New stems appear green and armed with thorns (Washington State University 2017). The green leaves are compound consisting or 3 leaflets. The margins of the leaflets are toothed, ending in a pointed tip (Klinkenberg 2017). The most striking feature in the spring is the bright pink flowers, often appearing before the leaves unfold (Washington State University 2017). Later in May and June, the yellow or dark red raspberry-like fruits ripen (Klinkenberg 2017).
Ecology:
R. spectabilis grows along the west coast from Alaska to California in low and subalpine elevations, and is a common species in British Columbia (Fretwell & Starzomski 2013). It grows in moist to wet soil in shaded and unshaded areas. It is often found in moist forests, along swamps and streambanks as well as in disturbed sites such as trails (Fretwell & Starzomski 2013).
R. spectabilis berries are eaten by common species of songbirds (e.g. song thrush, sparrows) and gamebirds (e.g. grouse and pheasants) as well as mammals, while the nectar of early spring flowers is a favourite of hummingbirds (Washington State University 2017).
R. spectabilis berries are eaten by common species of songbirds (e.g. song thrush, sparrows) and gamebirds (e.g. grouse and pheasants) as well as mammals, while the nectar of early spring flowers is a favourite of hummingbirds (Washington State University 2017).
Reproduction and Dispersal:
Following the pollination of the female reproductive structures in the flowers, fertilization occurs and seeds are produced. The seeds are embedded in the fruits (or berries). Birds and other animals that eat the berries help to disperse the seeds. R. spectabilis can also reproduce asexually via vegetative propagation. Horizontal stems can grow along the ground and root nearby developing into a new plant (Tirmenstein 1989).
References Cited:
Fretwell K, Starzomski B. 2013. Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis. In: Biodiversity of the central coast. [accessed 2018 Jan. 18]. http://www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/salmonberry-bull-rubus-spectabilis.html.
Klinkenberg B, editor. 2017. E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the plants of British Columbia [eflora.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [accessed 2018 Jan 18]. http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Rubus%20spectabilis.
Tirmenstein DA. 1989. Rubus spectabilis. In: Fire effects information system. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Services. [accessed 2017 Jan. 16]. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rubspe/all.html.
Washington State University. 2017. Salmonberry. In: WSU Clark county extension, PNW plants. [accessed 2017 Jan. 14]. http://pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=280.
Klinkenberg B, editor. 2017. E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the plants of British Columbia [eflora.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [accessed 2018 Jan 18]. http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Rubus%20spectabilis.
Tirmenstein DA. 1989. Rubus spectabilis. In: Fire effects information system. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Services. [accessed 2017 Jan. 16]. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rubspe/all.html.
Washington State University. 2017. Salmonberry. In: WSU Clark county extension, PNW plants. [accessed 2017 Jan. 14]. http://pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=280.