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: Whitebark Raspberry

General Information

Rubus leucodermis is a deciduous shrub, producing each year a cluster of erect to arching, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the plant can grow 100 - 300cm tall[]. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year, forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food, and is also used medicinally. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop, several cultivars have been developed[], and is also occasionally grown as an ornament in gardens[]..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America- Alaska, British Colombia, Washington to Montana and south to California, Arizona, New Mexico, northern Mexico.

Habitat

Moist to dry, open, often rocky areas, shaded roadsides, sheltered openings, thickets, open forests; at elevations up to 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Plants strongly dislike windy situations[].
This species is loosely allied to Rubus occidentalis[].
This species is cultivated for its edible fruit, especially in N. America[]. Several cultivars have been developed[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Rubus leucodermis is similar to Rubus occidentalis, differing primarily by its leaflets having acuminate apices and lateral leaflets that are distinctly stalked. Prickles on the pedicels of Rubus occidentalis are erect; those of Rubus leucodermis tend to be hooked.[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, jams etc[, , , , ]. A black raspberry, it is a very well flavoured fruit that can also be dried for winter use[, , , ]. The fruit is generally considered to be too soft for it to be grown commercially[]. The fruit develops a very nice flavour in British gardens and the plant can also yield well here, especially on the eastern side of the country[]. The American Indians dried the fruits and used them as part of their 'Pemmicans'[]. The reddish purple to nearly black, depressed globose to conical fruit is 10 - 20mm in diameter[]

A refreshing tea can be made from the leaves - it is high in vitamin C[].

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

Medicinal

The whole plant is astringent[].

An infusion of the root or the leaves has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and upset stomachs[].

A mild infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of influenza[].

A poultice of the powdered stems has been used to treat cuts and wounds[].

Other Uses

This species is used in raspberry breeding programmes, where it is crossed with the closely related Rubus occidentalis for testing the heridiability[]

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[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].