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: American Red Rasperry

General Information

Rubus idaeus strigosus is a deciduous shrub, producing each year a cluster of erect, usually unarmed, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the stems can grow 50 - 250cm tall[]. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth; forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting
The Americam Raspberry is commonly grown as a fruit crop, especially in N. America, and is also often involved in the parentage of various raspberry cultivars[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

N. America - laska to Labrador, south to California, New Mexico, Tennessee and North Carolina

Habitat

Fields, woodlands, roadsides, disturbed areas, dry to moist soil; at elevations up to 3,400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
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 in pies, preserves etc[, , , , , , ]. The fruit can be pressed into cakes then dried and stored for later use[]. The fruit can be 5 - 20mm in diameter[].

Young shoots - harvested as they emerge through the ground in the spring, peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus[, , , ].

The leaves and twigs are used as a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

Antiemetic[, ].
The leaves and roots are anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and stimulant[, , , , ]. A tea made from them is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, as a tonic for the uterus to strengthen pregnant women, and as an aid in childbirth[, , ]. The tea has also been shown as effective in relieving painful menstrual cramps[]. The active ingredients both stimulate and relax the uterus[]. They can be used during the last three months of pregnancy and during childbirth, but should not be used earlier[].
Externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a poultice and wash to treat sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers[, ].
The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use[].

The fruit is antiscorbutic and diuretic[]. Fresh raspberry juice, mixed with a little honey, makes an excellent refrigerant beverage to be taken in the heat of a fever[]. Made into a syrup, it is said to have a beneficial effect on the heart[].

Other Uses

The plant is used in raspberry breeding programmes - some cultivars have been derived from crossings with Rubus idaeus. Compared with Rubus idaeus, this species has a higher tolerance to frost, dryness and Verticillium diseases and is less attacked by insect pests[].

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