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:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
2.5 m
(8 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
June

Habitat 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 known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.