The distinction between Rubus deliciosus and Rubus neomexicanus is not always clear, especially when the former has more narrowly obtuse lobes and denser leaf abaxial hairs. Rubus deliciosus is also similar to Rubus bartonianus of Idaho and Oregon, as well as the Mexican Rubus trilobus Seringe. It might be reasonable to recognize a broader concept of Rubus deliciosus, one containing multiple infraspecific. Rubus deliciosus and its close relatives require a revisionary study[].
The genus Rubus, (especially the blackberries, which are often loosely referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg.) presents some of the most difficult taxonomic problems. This is partly due to the frequency of polyploidy; also to the frequent occurrence of hybridization; and also due to apomixis, where minor differences between plants are preserved because seedlings are genetically identical to their parent. As a result, differences of opinion on the number of species to be recognized from a given region can vary tremendously (for example, a treatment by M. L. Fernald[] in 1950 recognized 205 species for the northern half of the eastern United States plus parts of southeastern Canada, whilst H. A. Gleason and A. Cronquist in 1991 recognized only 25)[]. Where possible, a relatively conservative approach is taken here[].

Common Name:

General Information

Rubus neomexicanus is a deciduous shrub producing a cluster of erect, unarmed stems 200 - 300cm tall from a woody rootstock[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico

Habitat

Mountain slopes, canyons, streams; at elevations from 1,400 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The red, hemispherical fruit is up to 10mm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].