Salmonberry
Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Halkomelem) name: iila’ (fruit or bush); the’thqi’ (shoots)
Latin species name: Rubus spectabilis
Image source — Salmonberry: Creative Commons: Margalob, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Range:
Along the Pacific coast of Turtle Island*, from southern Alaska through central-northwest California.
*Turtle Island is a common Indigenous place name for the landmass colonially known as North America. (See more…)
Image source — <https://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/rubus-spectabilis>
History
Rubus spectabilis, or salmonberry, is a Pacific Northwest native.
Native American cultures have eaten and utilized salmonberries for their therapeutic benefits (van den Top et al., 2018).
Colour and ripening during salmon runs may give the fruit the name "salmonberry".
Image source — <https://unsplash.com/photos/closeup-photography-of-berries-KoK0DhQxzEE>
Significance:
Consumable Fruit:
The berries are tasty and sweet-tart. Jams, jellies, and sweets utilize them, and they may be eaten fresh (van den Top et al., 2018).
Wildlife Habitat:
Birds and small animals eat salmonberries.
Ecosystem Role:
They protect stream and riverbanks from erosion and are part of the Pacific Northwest's rich plant ecology (van den Top et al., 2018).
Image source — <https://discover.hubpages.com/living/salmonberries>
How To Plant Your Own?
Site Selection:
Find well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Salmonberries like acidic, rich soil (Siemens et al., 2020).
Acquire Plants: Nurseries sell salmonberry plants. They may be grown from seeds or stem cuttings (Siemens et al., 2020).
Spacing:
Plant salmonberries 3–4 feet apart for growth and airflow (van den Top et al., 2018).
Soil Preparation:
Organic matter improves soil fertility and drainage.
Planting:
Plant salmonberry plants early spring. Dig a deep hole for the root system and water well (van den Top et al., 2018).
Maintenance:
Dead or damaged salmonberry canes should be pruned in late winter or early spring. To promote growth and form, prune them sometimes.