Rubus enslenii
Tratt.
Northern Dewberry, Whiplash Dewberry
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(c) Aidan Campos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Aidan Campos
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) jim_keesling, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by jim_keesling
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Aidan Campos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Aidan Campos
Summary
A deciduous shrub growing to 3 m, with hermaphroditic insect-pollinated flowers. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Prefers moist soil and grows in semi-shade or full sun.
Description
A deciduous shrub growing to 3 m, with hermaphroditic insect-pollinated flowers. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Prefers moist soil and grows in semi-shade or full sun.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs one month stratification at about 3°c and should be sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame, then plant out into permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July, planting out in autumn. Division can be done in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.
Other Uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Notes
There are about 250 Rubus species.
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)
Northern Dewberry
Rubus enslenii
(c) Aidan Campos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Aidan Campos
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Northern Dewberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Rosac. monogr. 3:63. 1823
