medicinal herbs
Whitebark Raspberry
Rubus leucodermis
Herb: Whitebark Raspberry
Latin name: Rubus leucodermis
Synonyms: Rubus occidentalis leucodermis
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Medicinal use of Whitebark Raspberry:
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.Description of the plant:
Plant:
DeciduousShrub
Height:
2.5 m(8 1/4 foot)
Flowering:
JuneHabitat of the herb:
Fields and open to wooded hills.Edible parts of Whitebark Raspberry:
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.Other uses of the herb:
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.Propagation of Whitebark Raspberry:
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.Cultivation of the herb:
Fields and open to wooded hills.Known hazards of Rubus leucodermis:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.