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: Rocky Mountain Raspberry

General Information

Rubus deliciosus is a deciduous shrub producing a cluster of unarmed, decumbent to erect stems from a woody rootstock; the plant can grow 50 - 150cm tall, exceptionally to 200cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It has long been planted as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its large, showy flowers[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma

Habitat

Scrub and rocky slopes in the Rocky mountains[]. Rocky canyons, outcrops, stream banks; at elevations from 1,800 - 2,900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus deliciosus is hardy to about -20°c[].
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[].
A very ornamental plant[, ]. The flowers have a delicious perfume[].
The plant has perennial stems and should not be pruned like normal raspberries[]. Instead it is sufficient to prune out any dead stems[].
There are no prickles on the stems[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The fruit is not highly valued[]. It is delicious[]. Dry and of no flavour[, ]. The fruit is rather on the dry side and has lots of seeds to very little flesh, but the flavour is delicious[]. The dark purple, hemispherical fruit is about 10 - 15mm in diameter[, ]

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

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[].
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].