Wildberries Natural Riparian Area

Thimbleberry is native to western North America and grows typically along roadsides, railroad tracks and in forest clearings.  Like many opportunistic plants, it commonly appears as an early part of the ecological succession in clear-cut areas.  It spreads easily through underground rhizomes and can be very invasive in areas where it is not maintained.  Wild thimbleberries can be eaten raw or dried and can be made into a jam.  The flowers support pollinators and are a special value for native bees and the fruit is attractive to birds.  It is the larval host and a nectar source for the yellow- banded sphinx butterfly.

Habitat:  Forests, riparian areas 

Stinging nettle is an herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, Africa and western North America.  It is a plant that causes severe irritation when touched.  But it has also been used for centuries as a medicinal, believed to detoxify the body, improve metabolic efficiency and boost immunity. 

Habitat:  wetlands, fields, woods

Acer macrophyllum is a large deciduous tree native to western North America, mostly near the Pacific Coast.  It has the largest leaves of any maple.  In the fall the leaves turn to gold and yellow and offer a spectacular contrast to a backdrop of evergreen conifers.  It also makes an effective statement in a residential landscape, provided there is enough space.  In the Wildberries Natural Riparian Area, it has been used to form an allee along the main pathway.

Habitat:  riparian communities, near streams and river floodplains