Rubus pascuus
L. H. Bailey
Chesapeake Blackberry
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Summary
Source: WikipediaRubus pascuus is an uncommon North American species of brambles in the rose family. It grows only in the United States, primarily in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas but with scattered populations farther east in New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas. The genetics of Rubus is extremely complex, so that it is difficult to decide on which groups should be recognized as species. There are many rare species with limited ranges such as this. Further study is suggested to clarify the taxonomy.
Description
Deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light, medium, or heavy soils with good drainage; suits mildly acid to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade to full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.
Edible Uses
The fruit is rich and juicy, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, Eswatini, North America, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, 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. This species is considered to be no more than a synonym of R. longii by some botanists. 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 of stratification at about 3°C and should be sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame, and 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 layer in July and plant 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)
Chesapeake Blackberry
Rubus pascuus
(c) aljnrn, 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.
Chesapeake Blackberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (3)
- Mansfield's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops p 432
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Swaziland's Flora Database http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora
