Rubus arizonicus
(Greene) Rydb.
Arizona dewberry
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) eknuth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) eknuth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) eknuth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A deciduous shrub growing only 20cm tall, hermaphrodite and insect-pollinated. Adapts to light, medium, and heavy well-drained soils in mildly acid to basic pH. Thrives in semi-shade or full sun with moist soil. Functions as effective ground cover.
Description
A deciduous shrub growing only 20cm tall, hermaphrodite and insect-pollinated. Adapts to light, medium, and heavy well-drained soils in mildly acid to basic pH. Thrives in semi-shade or full sun with moist soil. Functions as effective ground cover.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and may also be pressed into cakes, dried, and stored for later use.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Propagation
Seed requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs one month of stratification at around 3°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Prick out seedlings once large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame before planting out into permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Can also be propagated by division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.
Other Uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. The plant also works well as a ground cover.
Notes
The name is ambiguous.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Red Baneberry
Actaea rubra
Walter Siegmund (talk)
Arizona dewberry
Rubus arizonicus
(c) eknuth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Arizona dewberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
