Whitebark Raspberry
Rubus leucodermis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Rubus leucodermis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. It is not frost tender. 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): 2.5

Where it is found

Fields and open to wooded hills.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America*, USA,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, jams etc. A black raspberry, it is a very well flavoured fruit that can also be dried for winter use. The fruit is generally considered to be too soft for it to be grown commercially. The fruit develops a very nice flavour in British gardens and the plant can also yield well here, especially on the eastern side of the country. A refreshing tea can be made from the leaves - it is high in vitamin C. Young shoots - harvested as they emerge in the spring, then peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus.

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: 1

The whole plant is astringent. An infusion of the root or the leaves has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and upset stomachs. A mild infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of influenza. A poultice of the powdered stems has been used to treat cuts and wounds.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content

Other

Rating: 1

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

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants strongly dislike windy situations. This species is loosely allied to R. occidentalis. Cultivated for its edible fruit in N. America. 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.

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: 0-0

Growth: Medium

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. occidentalis leucodermis.