Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus occidentalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Rich thickets, ravines and borders of woods, often in full shade and preferring moist positions.
Eastern and Central N. America - New Brunswick to Ontario, south to Georgia and Missouri.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, preserves etc. It is of variable quality, with the finest forms having a rich acid flavour. The hemispherical fruit is about 15mm in diameter. Young shoots - raw or cooked like rhubarb. They are harvested as they emerge through the soil in the spring, and whilst they are still tender, and then peeled. A tea is made from the leaves and another from the bark of the root, 257.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots are cathartic. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. The root has been chewed in the treatment of coughs and toothache. An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The root has been used, combined with Hypericum spp, to treat the first stages of consumption. An infusion of the astringent root bark is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. The leaves are highly astringent. A decoction is used in the treatment of bowel complaints. A tea made from the leaves is used as a wash for old and foul sores, ulcers and boils. A decoction of the roots, stems and leaves has been used in the treatment of whooping cough.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
TB: Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease
Other
Rating: 1
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Sometimes cultivated, especially in N. America, for its edible fruit, it is a parent of many named varieties. This species is a raspberry with biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a running thicket former forming a colony from shoots away from the crown spreading indefinitely. The root pattern is flat with shallow roots forming a plate near the soil surface. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from underground runners away from the plant.
Propagating it: 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 is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist