Blackcap, Black raspberry, Black dewberry
Rubus occidentalis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 3 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The stems are curved and prickly. The leaves are dark green and have 5 leaflets on non flowering stems and 3 leaflets on flowering stems. The leaves are white and like felt underneath. The flowers are white. The fruit are dark purple. They are edible. Some named varieties occur.

There are about 250 Rubus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Europe, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also dried or used in jams, jellies, pies, sherbets, preserved or made into vinegar. They are canned. Young shoots are eaten like rhubarb. The leaves and the bark of the roots are used for tea. Wilted leaves should not be used. They should be fresh or dried.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, shoots, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Thimbleberry

Synonyms

Rubus idaeus var. americanus Torr. Rubus neglectus Peck; and others