Rubus louisianus
A. Berger
Saw-tooth Blackberry
wikimedia· cc-by
Wikimedia Commons - Forest & Kim Starr
wikimedia· cc-by
Wikimedia Commons - Forest and Kim Starr
Summary
Source: WikipediaA deciduous shrub reaching 2 m tall, hardy to UK zone 8. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and basic soils. Grows in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Description
A deciduous shrub reaching 2 m tall, hardy to UK zone 8. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and basic soils. Grows in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
The white-coloured fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. 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 requires one month stratification at about 3°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. 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)
Saw-tooth Blackberry
Rubus louisianus
Wikimedia Commons - Forest & Kim Starr
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Saw-tooth Blackberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
