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: Strawberryleaf Raspberry

General Information

Rubus pedatus is an unarmed, perennial plant producing a cluster of more or less woody, creeping stems from a woody rootstock. The stems form new roots at the leaf nodes, developing a mat of growth with short, erect flowering stems around 10cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
The species is widespread and while it is possibly declining in parts of its range, it is not thought that any global population decline is likely to meet (or be close to meeting) the threshold for Vulnerable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Japan. Western N. America - Alaska to Alberta, south to Oregon, Montana.

Habitat

Damp coniferous woods in mountains, C. and N. Japan[]. Coniferous woods, forest edges, glades, meadows, bogs, stream banks, streambeds and roadsides; at elevations up to 2,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Rubus pedatus is recognized by its creeping, unarmed stems, pedately 3-5-foliate leaves, relatively small flowers, white petals, and glabrous ovaries[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, preserves etc[, , , ]. It makes an excellent jelly[, ]. The fruit is juicy and has a rich flavour[, ]. Another report says that the flavour is not particularly wonderful and the fruits are small, soft and difficult to pick in any quantity[]. The yellowish-red fruits are 6 - 10mm in diameter[, ].

Flowers - raw[].

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[].

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