American Red Raspberry (Idaeus)

The American Red Raspberry (Idaeus) is generally described as a perennial subshrub. This is native to the U.S. (United States) .

Uses of : Landscaping, Medicinal, Culinary, etc.

Ethnobotanic: A tea was made from the leaves and used in the treatment of diarrhea and as an aid in childbirth (Moerman 1998). The tea has also been known to relieve painful menstrual cramps (Ibid.). Externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, sores, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers (Brown 1995). Europeans in the 17th century regarded the raspberries as an antispasmodic and they made a syrup of the juice which they employed to prevent vomiting (Readers Digest 1990). In the 18th century physicians and herbalists deemed the berries useful as a remedy for heart disease (Ibid). Red raspberries are eaten fresh or in jams and jellies, or added to pies and other baked goods, candies and dairy products to add flavor. Purple to dull blue dye was obtained from the fruit.

Wildlife: American red raspberry provides food and cover for many wildlife species. Grouse, birds, raccoons, coyotes, squirrels, skunks, and chipmunks eat the fruits. Raspberry thickets provide shelter for rabbits and squirrels and service as a nesting spot for many birds.

General Characteristics

General: Rose family (Roseaceae). American red raspberry is a native, deciduous shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters high with biennial stems. The leaves are pinnately compound, with three to five leaflets. The flowers are white to greenish white, drooping, single or in small grapelike clusters. The fruit is a red raspberry, rounded, two centimeters long and broad, maturing between July through September.

Required Growing Conditions

American red raspberry is a native North American species that grows across northern Europe to northwestern Asia. For current distribution, please consult the Plant profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

Adaptation Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus is frequently found along the edges of swamps and bogs and is especially commonly found after burnings, clearings, or other disturbances. This species grows good in well-drained loamy soil in a sunny location or in a semi-shaded area. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH texture and requires adequate soil moisture.

General Upkeep and Control

RUSP"Traditional Resource Management: This includes the following: 1) Occasional burning to stimulate new growth; 2) pruning the branches after picking the berries to stimulate new growth and fruit production the next growing season; and 3) ownership of salmonberry shrubs provides the basis for careful tending and sustainable yield of valued resources. This plant grows very rapidly in moist, shady conditions. If summer drought occurs, the plants should be watered so roots are kept fairly moist. "