The velvety thimbles are somewhat dry but can taste very sweet. Thimbleberry grows throughout much of British Columbia except the far north. On the continent you can find it from Alaska to northern Mexico and east to Ontario and Colorado. Typical settings include open sites, often at the edge of woods, roadsides and shorelines. It is one of the plants to appear early in disturbed settings particularly along highways.
Thimbleberries are excellent subjects for naturalising in moist corners of suburban lots.
They seem not to be choosy about soil conditions and will grow on raw unprepared surfaces. In fact in some localities they will appear on their own. These shrubs will quickly form thickets, generating wildlife cover and healing over the soil. You can get Thimbleberries from the local nursery or garden centre by asking them to order it in. There are several suppliers in British Columbia.