Rubus vernus
Focke
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Junichi Mandai, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) David Chang, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) David Chang, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil. Can thrive in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Description
A deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil. Can thrive in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan,
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 most parts of this country. This species has smooth stems without any prickles. 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 should be stratified for one month at around 3°C and sown as early in the year as possible. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame, and plant 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 layering in July; plant out in autumn. Division 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)
Rubus vernus
Rubus vernus
(c) Junichi Mandai, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Rubus vernus: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (2)
- Abh. Naturwiss. Vereine Bremen 5:407. 1877 (not seen)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
