Blooming Now

Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)!  There aren't as many blossoms as in years past, but I'm surprised and grateful to see even a few blossoms. 

The berries they make won't ripen until around August or September, but they're forming already. 

This is what they look like when they're ripe, or nearly ripe.  Unlike raspberries, thimbleberries don't really have a flavor, just a mild sweetness.  The birds, raccoons, skunks, deer, bears and bunnies love them, but the squirrels and chipmunks take a pass...like I do.  Although jam can be made from them, I leave them for the dear folks previously mentioned.