Rubus philadelphicus
Blanchard
Philadelphia Blackberry
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Summary
Source: WikipediaRubus philadelphicus is an uncommon North American species of brambles in the rose family. It has been found in the eastern United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Rubus philadelphicus is a prickly shrub with arching canes, slightly prickly. Fruit is fleshy and by all accounts good-tasting. 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
A deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with well-drained conditions. Adapts to mildly acidic through alkaline pH and tolerates semi-shade or full sun, requiring moist soil.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Australia, North America, Tasmania, 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. According to one report this species is no more than a synonym of R. pensylvanicus. 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 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 into permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July or 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.
Other Information
It is cultivated.
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)
Philadelphia Blackberry
Rubus philadelphicus
(c) Kaitlyn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kaitlyn
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Philadelphia Blackberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (2)
- Mansfield's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops p 433
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
