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Purple-flowered Raspberry

Rubus odoratus

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose)

Also in this family:

Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry

Type:

Deciduous shrub

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

180 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Gardens, grassland, hedgerows, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

Purple, 5 petals

Bright pinkish-purple flowers, up to 4cm in diameter. White petals are seldom. Pollinated by bees.

Fruit:

This fruit is a juicy, red berry, resembling a flat raspberry. The seeds ripen from July to September.

Leaves:

A garden escape species with large, rough, crinkly, palmate (5-lobed) leaves. The stems are covered in hairs (not prickles).

Aroma:

Purple-flowering Raspberry is a fragrant shrub.

Other Names:

Flowering Raspberry, Flowering Raspberry, Purple-flowering Raspberry, Sweet-scented Bramble, Thimbleberry, Virginia Raspberry.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

White-stemmed Bramble

False Salmonberry

Wineberry

Summary

Rubus odoratus, also known as Purple-flowering Raspberry or Flowering Raspberry, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, Rosaceae. It is native to North America, and is found in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. The plant is known for its large, showy, purple flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, and its small, black or red berries that are edible but not as commonly consumed as the red raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is also used in traditional medicine. The leaves, roots, and fruits are used to make tea and poultices to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

Blog

Rubus odoratus, also known as purple-flowered raspberry or flowering raspberry, is a beautiful and hardy shrub that is native to North America. This plant is a member of the rose family, and it produces gorgeous pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are followed by large, juicy, and delicious red berries that are a treat for humans and wildlife alike. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the purple-flowered raspberry, its characteristics, and why it is a great addition to any garden or landscape.

Appearance

The purple-flowered raspberry is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and equally as wide. It has large, bright green, lobed leaves that are soft to the touch and a reddish-brown bark. The plant produces beautiful pinkish-purple flowers that are about 1-2 inches in diameter and have a pleasant, sweet fragrance. The flowers have five petals and are held in loose clusters. After the flowers fade, the plant produces large, red berries that are edible and juicy, but often seedy.

Growing Conditions

The purple-flowered raspberry is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought once it is established. This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7 and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it is best to avoid extremely hot or cold climates.

Propagation and Maintenance

The purple-flowered raspberry is relatively easy to propagate from seed, stem cuttings, or root cuttings. It is also easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant in good shape and promote healthy growth. You should prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This shrub is not susceptible to many diseases or pests, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Uses

The purple-flowered raspberry is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It is an excellent choice for a natural hedge or border and can be used to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden. The flowers and berries are also edible and can be used in jams, jellies, pies, and other baked goods. The purple-flowered raspberry is also a popular plant for landscaping and is often used in mass plantings or as a specimen plant.

The purple-flowered raspberry is a beautiful, hardy, and versatile plant that is perfect for any garden or landscape. With its stunning flowers and delicious fruit, it is a plant that will delight you and your guests for years to come. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the purple-flowered raspberry is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color and flavor to their garden.

Benefits

Besides its beauty, the purple-flowered raspberry has several benefits for the environment and human health. The plant provides food and habitat for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. The berries are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, diarrhea, and inflammation.

Cautions

While the purple-flowered raspberry is generally safe to consume, it is important to exercise caution when harvesting and consuming the berries. The plant contains small amounts of cyanide, a toxic substance that can be harmful in large quantities. Eating a few ripe berries is not likely to cause any harm, but consuming large amounts could result in gastrointestinal discomfort. It is always best to consume any wild berries or plants in moderation and only after you have positively identified them.

In summary, the purple-flowered raspberry is a beautiful and hardy plant that is easy to care for and provides a range of benefits for the environment and human health. Its stunning flowers and delicious fruit make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. With its low-maintenance requirements and versatility, the purple-flowered raspberry is a perfect addition to any garden or landscape.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

Besides being a source of food, the purple-flowered raspberry has been used in traditional medicine for many years. Indigenous people used the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, wounds, and respiratory illnesses. The leaves and roots were made into teas and poultices, and the berries were eaten to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. While more research is needed to confirm the medicinal properties of the plant, it is clear that the purple-flowered raspberry has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Landscaping Benefits

The purple-flowered raspberry is also a popular plant for landscaping. Its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage make it a great choice for borders, hedges, or as a specimen plant. The plant is also useful in erosion control because of its extensive root system. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and growing conditions, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.

Wildlife Habitat

The purple-flowered raspberry is an important source of food and habitat for wildlife. The plant provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators and the berries are eaten by a variety of birds and animals, including songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks. By planting the purple-flowered raspberry in your garden, you are providing a valuable food source for local wildlife and helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

In conclusion, the purple-flowered raspberry is a beautiful, hardy, and versatile plant that offers a range of benefits for the environment and human health. Whether you are a gardener, landscaper, or nature enthusiast, the purple-flowered raspberry is a perfect addition to your garden or landscape. With its stunning flowers, delicious fruit, and low-maintenance requirements, this plant is sure to delight you and your guests for years to come.

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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