Salmonberry
Rubus spectabilis
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) is a broadleaf deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family native to western North America from Alaska to California, east to Idaho. It reaches 3-10 ft tall with medium growth and produces red to rose flowers solitary or in clusters of 2-4, sometimes appearing before leaf unfold. It occurs in moist woodland habitats.
Salmonberry is hardy in zones 5a-8b and tolerates full sun to shade with moist soil (pH 4.5-8.5) and moderate water. Thirty-one diseases are documented with no pest records. The fruit has a moderate edibility rating (3/5) and moderate medicinal value (2/5).
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Salmonberry has passed 'fall color / leaf senescence' (1284 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 719 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 935 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1020 | '' |
| 'Bloom' BBCH '61' | 1054 | '' |
| ● 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' NOW | 1284 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 10, 2026, then climate normals.