Salmonberries In Flower

Day 196: Here is cause for great gladness! In June, each of these pretty pink flowers will have transformed magically into a luscious orange or red berry, a little on the watery side for many peoples' tastes but that just means more for me. Salmonberries are excellent picked fresh from the vine, or they also make a delicious cobbler.

The plant is somewhat weedy; long stems with stiff thorns and widely spaced leaves. It grows to a height of eight feet or more, often forming impenetrable thickets in wetland areas. A very recognizable fruit, it's a favorite with Pacific Northwest hikers.