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: Creeping Bramble

General Information

Rubus tricolor is a vigorous, evergreen shrub producing a cluster of creeping or scrambling, bristly stems that can be 100 - 400cm or more long[]. The stems scramble over the ground, forming dense mats of growth.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Sichuan, Yunnan)

Habitat

Steep banks and in scrub on mountains; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[]. Slopes, forests and thickets; at elevations rom 1,800 - 3,600 metres in Sichuan and Yunnan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.30 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus tricolor can tolerate winter temperatures falling, at least for short periods, to around -15°c[]. Plants are usually evergreen but may be deciduous in severe winters[].
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Plants grow best in part or full shade, though do not fruit well in deep shade[, ]. Tolerant of dry shade[]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[].
A fast growing plant, the stems can grow by 2 metres or more per year[, ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. The best forms can fruit quite well and have a good size and flavour[, , ]. Another report says that they are bland[]. The subglobose, bright red fruits are up to 17mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good vigorous ground cover plant for sun or shade[, , ]. It grows strongly but requires weeding for the first year or so[]. New roots are formed at intervals along the stem[]. It should only be grown with trees and other tall plants otherwise it will swamp them[].

Other Uses

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

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification, is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as early as possible in the year in a cold frame and stratify for a month at 3°c if sowing later than late winter. 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.
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring.