3 common berries in Marin

Blackberries, salmonberries and thimbleberries are commonly found in Marin County.

There are two blackberry species, one native and one non-native. Our native blackberry, Rubus ursinus, has three leaflets, each leaflet with a green underside. The Himalayan blackberry, Rubus armeniacus, may have three to five leaflets, each with a white underside.

Salmonberry and thimbleberry are easily identified. Salmonberry, Rubus spectabilis, has three leaflets making up one leaf and deep rose flowers. Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus, has a single leaf shaped like a maple leaf and produces white flowers.

John Thomas Howell in “Marin Flora” describes these berry plants. He comments about the non-native Himalayan blackberry: “As objectionable as this Eurasian plant is, its blackberries are delicious and are sought after for jams and jellies.”

— katie martin, UC Marin Master Gardeners