ubus spectabilis is a deciduous, rhizomatous shrub growing to 1–4 metres (3–13 feet) tall and 9 metres (30 feet) wide, with a moderate growth rate of 0.3–06 metres (12-24 inches) per year.[30-40% of the plant's biomass is underground. It has perennial (not biennial) woody stems that are covered with fine prickles, especially on new growth. The plant has golden or yellowish-brown erect or arching stems (also known as "canes") that often form thickets, like many other brambles in the genus Rubus. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate (with three leaflets), 7–22 centimetres (3–8+1⁄2 inches) long and typically ovate in shape, with the terminal leaflet being larger than the two side leaflets, which are sometimes shallowly lobed. The margins of the leaflets are doubly serrate. The leaves are also stipulate and are smooth to slightly hairy on the top surface, compared to the underside, which is typically more pale and hairy. In late fall and winter months, salmonberry leaves will fall, and the plant remains dormant or maintains minimal shoot elongation during the winter.
The flowers are 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) in diameter, with a calyx of five hairy sepals and five pinkish-purple petals that surround a cluster of stamens; they are produced between April and July, either singly or in clusters of 2 or 3. The flowers are perfect (bisexual), containing 75–100 stamens and many individual pistils with superior ovaries. While fruit production is largely dependent on the environment, there is an estimated growth of 30 fruits per 3m^2 (32 ft^2) and 17-65 seeds per fruit. Seeds Salmonberry sprout mainly from the buds found on rhizomes, stumps, and root crowns of the plant. The flowers cannot self-pollinate and are instead pollinated by insects, hummingbirds, and beetles.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 4,5 |
| Heat Zones | 4,5 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Rosacea |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Early Spring, Late Spring |
| Height | 4' - 5' |
| Spread | 3' - 4' |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Fruit & Berries, Attracts Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |
| Planting Place | Beds and Borders |