Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)

Black Raspberry

(Rubus occidentalis)

Alina Zienowicz Ala z

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Alina Zienowicz Ala z

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Rubus occidentalis, commonly known as Black Raspberry, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, thriving in open woodlands, forest edges, and along roadsides. It typically grows to 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 ft) tall with long, arching canes that can reach up to 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) in length. The canes bear curved, sharp thorns, and immature canes exhibit a whitish bloom. Black Raspberry is notable for its compound leaves, which are usually composed of three to five leaflets with serrated edges. The flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, have long, slender sepals that are more than twice as long as the petals, and are less showy compared to the fruit. The round-shaped fruit, an aggregation of drupelets, measures 12-to-15-millimeters (0.47 to 0.59 in) in diameter and ripens to a deep purple-black color in mid to late summer.

The fruit of the Black Raspberry is highly valued for its rich flavor and nutritional content, including high levels of anthocyanins and ellagic acid. It is commonly used in cultivation for its edible berries, which are enjoyed fresh, in preserves, or baked goods. The plant is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, particularly the arching stems and attractive foliage. Black Raspberry prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. It can spread aggressively by tip layering, making it suitable for naturalized areas or as a fruiting hedge, but may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 3-6 feet
Width: 6-12 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands and forest edges in eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Bear’s Eye Blackberry, Scotch Cap, Black Cap, Blackcap, Dew Berry, Schwarze Himbeere, Frambueso Negro, Framboisier De Virginie, Framboisier Noir, Mûrier

Scientific Names: , Rubus occidentalis, Rubus occidentalis var. occidentalis, Rubus occidentalis f. pallidus, Rubus occidentalis var. pallidus, Melanobatus michiganus, Rubus idaeus var. americanus, Melanobatus occidentalis, Rubus michiganus, Rubus occidentalis var. flavobaccus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Rubus occidentalis L.