Rubus hirsutus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Rubus hirsutus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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): 2

Where it is found

Thickets and waste ground in lowland and low mountains of C. and S. Japan. Slopes, roadsides, waste places, thickets and forested slopes at elevations of 900 - 3200 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, preserves etc. The fruit varies in size from 1 - 2cm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The juice of the bruised leaves is used in the treatment of ophthalmia. The fruit is used to promote fertility, strengthen virility etc.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating: 1

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

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. 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. There is a potential confusion over the name of this species. There is a R. hirsutus with a different author (Wirte.) listed in as growing in woods in Britain. Clearly, one of these two species is wrongly named. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

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:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. thunbergii. Sieb.&Zucc.