American red raspberry

American Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a species of Rubus native to North America. It is a perennial plant which bears biennial stems (canes) from the perennial root system.

Description

The American Red Raspberry is a deciduous shrub growing to 1.5–2.5 m tall, with prickly shoots. The leaves are pinnate, with five leaflets on leaves strong-growing stems in their first year, and three leaflets on leaves on flowering branchlets. The flowers are 2–3 cm in diameter, with five white to pinkish petals; they are produced in late spring to early summer on short racemes on the tips of the flowering shoots. The fruit is a 1.5–2 cm diameter red, edible aggregate of drupelets.

Cultivation and uses

The American Red Raspberry is widely cultivated for its fruit. Mature plants yield 2–2.5 kg of fruit, which is harvested in the summer or early autumn. In addition to being consumed fresh, raspberries can be frozen or made into jams and jellies. They can also be used in desserts and for flavoring beverages and sauces. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in herbal and medicinal teas, and are often used as an astringent.

Cultivars

Numerous cultivars of Rubus idaeus have been selected. The most widely cultivated varieties are generally hybrids between R. idaeus and R. strigosus. Cultivars range in color from red, black, purple, and yellow.

Pests and diseases

The American Red Raspberry is susceptible to numerous diseases and pests, including the Raspberry Aphid, which can cause the plants to contract Raspberry Mosaic Disease.

See also

• Raspberry production in the United States
• List of culinary fruits
• List of Lepidoptera that feed on Rubus