Rubus parviflorus is one of the few plant species that grows both in Oregon and in Upper Michigan. USA Plants Database shows it growing across the upper midwest and Canada.
But I'm going to hypothesize that there are 2 subspecies. The typical thimbleberry of the Pacific Northwest is a woody sub-shrub.
But in the UP, I believe the plants I've looked at always appear to be perennials without overwintering above-ground parts.
Now I'm going to go see if I can find that confirmed online.
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Possible explanation: Rubus odoratus (purple flowering raspberry) is an Eastern species that is quite similar but seems to lack woody above-ground stems (according to one website but not others). It occurs in the UP and likely hybridizes with thimbleberry. Perhaps it's difficult to distinguish between these species and Yoopers call them both thimbleberry.
UGG. The whole genus is difficult. I'll look at it when I'm next in Michigan, and not before.
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