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Rubus idaeus

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Record ID:71

Naming

Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus
Common Names: European Raspberry, Wild Raspberry
Key Name: Red Raspberry
Parts Used: Leaves, fruit, root
Sister Plants: Rubus fruticosus, Rubus occidentalis, Rubus arcticus
Comments: Thorny shrub with significant pollinator support; widely cultivated globally

Characteristics

Identifying Character: Thorny shrub (3-6 ft), prickly stems, serrated oval leaves, white flowers, red berries
Stem: Prickly, green to reddish-brown
Leaves: Oval, serrated, 2-4 inches, light green with white underside
Flowers: White, 5-petaled flowers in clusters, blooming May-July
Fruit: Red berries, 1-2 cm, ripening June-August
Taste: Sweet-tart (fruit), astringent (leaves)
Odour: Mild, fruity scent from flowers
Root: Fibrous, shallow root system; spreads via rhizomes
Image URL:

Distribution

Distribution: Europe, North America, naturalized worldwide
Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade; propagate by cuttings PROPAGATION:\n1. CUTTINGS (Softwood, June-July): Cut 6-inch tips from healthy canes, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in moist perlite/sand mix. Root in 3-6 weeks. Success: 80-90%.\n2. LAYERING (Summer): Bend a flexible cane to soil, bury middle 6 inches, pin with wire. Roots form in 6-8 weeks. Sever and transplant.\n3. DIVISION (Spring/Fall): Dig up 1-2 year-old plants, divide rhizomes into 6-inch sections with buds, replant immediately.\n\nTRANSPLANTING:\n1. Best time: Early spring or late fall (dormant).\n2. Dig wide: Keep 12-inch root ball.\n3. Plant at same depth, 2-3 ft apart in rows 6-8 ft apart.\n4. Water deeply for 2 weeks; mulch 2-3 inches with straw or wood chips.\n5. Cut back canes to 6 inches to reduce stress.\n\nSITE: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained loamy soil, pH 5.5-6.5. Mulch annually. Prune dead canes after fruiting. Hardy zones 3-9.\n\nVIDEO GUIDES:\n• How to Propagate Raspberries: https://youtu.be/8x9k8mY3n2w\n• Transplanting Raspberries: https://youtu.be/6pL3vWq8zX0\n• Full Raspberry Care: https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/fruits/raspberries/
Harvest: Leaves: Summer; Fruit: Late summer

Medical

Therapeutic Action: Astringent, diuretic, uterine tonic, antioxidant
Medical Uses: Used for pregnancy support, diarrhea, urinary issues, and as an antioxidant; leaves for uterine health
Constituents: Tannins, flavonoids, fragarine, vitamin C
Solvents: Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin
Dosage: Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water; Fruit: 10-20 berries daily
Administration: Internal: Infusion or raw fruit; External: Poultice for skin
Formulas: Combine with nettle for pregnancy support; with rosehip for antioxidants
Contra Indications: May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid excessive use in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
Preparation: Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes; Tincture: Steep 1 part leaves in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
Chinese: No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Veterinary: Used for uterine health or wound treatment in livestock
Homeopathic: No known homeopathic use documented

Pollination and Pollinators

Apis: No
Pollinator: 1
Pollen: Yes
Pollen Notes: Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
Nectar: Yes
Nectar Notes: Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health

Other

Non-Medical Uses: Wood for crafts, dye from leaves, wildlife food
Culinary Uses: Fruit eaten fresh, dried, or in jams; leaves in teas
History: Used in European and Native American herbal traditions for centuries
Reference: Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
URL: https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubus+idaeus
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