Rubus phoenicolasius, commonly known as Japanese wineberry or wine raspberry, is a deciduous perennial plant originally native to forest margins, slopes, and clearings in China, Japan, and Korea. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and is characterized by its arching canes covered with red glandular hairs. The plant produces clusters of small, sweet, red fruits in summer, which are highly attractive to both humans and wildlife. The flowers are small, pale pink to red, and bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruits follow the flowers and are encased in a protective calyx that adds to the plant’s ornamental value.

Japanese wineberry is valued for its sweet fruits, which are used in pies, jams, and other desserts. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, such as the attractive bristly stems and the calyx that encloses the fruit. In cultivation, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. However, it requires careful management due to its potential invasiveness. It can spread aggressively by rooting at the cane tips and by seed dispersal. Gardeners should be aware of its invasive nature and take steps to control its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0