Rubus mercieri, commonly known as Salmonberry, is a deciduous shrub native to central Europe. It typically grows to a height of 10 feet (3 meters) and a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), with arching stems and a sprawling habit. Salmonberry is notable for its early spring flowers, which are 1 to 2 inches in diameter, range from pink to magenta, and are quite showy. Following the flowers, the plant produces yellow to orange-red berries that resemble raspberries.

Salmonberry is valued for its attractive flowers and edible fruit, which ripen from late spring to early summer. It is used in restoration projects, as a wildlife attractant, and for erosion control due to its spreading nature. In gardens, it can be used for naturalistic plantings and as a background shrub in mixed borders. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. While generally low-maintenance, Salmonberry can spread aggressively by underground rhizomes, which should be considered when planting near other garden beds.CC BY-SA 4.0