Rubus fruticosus
Record ID:72Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Rubus fruticosus |
| Common Names: | European Blackberry, Bramble |
| Key Name: | Blackberry |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, fruit, root |
| Sister Plants: | Rubus idaeus, Rubus occidentalis, Rubus caesius |
| Comments: | Thorny shrub with significant pollinator support; globally abundant |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Thorny shrub (3-10 ft), prickly arching stems, serrated oval leaves, white to pink flowers, black berries |
| Stem: | Prickly, green to brown, arching |
| Leaves: | Oval, serrated, 2-5 inches, dark green with white underside |
| Flowers: | White to pink, 5-petaled flowers in clusters, blooming May-July |
| Fruit: | Black berries, 1-2 cm, ripening July-September |
| Taste: | Sweet-tart (fruit), astringent (leaves) |
| Odour: | Mild, fruity scent from flowers |
| Root: | Fibrous, shallow root system; spreads via rhizomes |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.R5RenDpuszMpR5J5y0kB_AHaFn%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=d7a1caa9c8418f7fab21cfcd353f17230680cad43a17dca9203ae3be5fefd9da&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Europe, North America, naturalized worldwide |
| Cultivation: | Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade; propagate by cuttings |
| Harvest: | Leaves: Summer; Fruit: Late summer |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
| Medical Uses: | Used for diarrhea, sore throat, urinary issues, and as an antioxidant; leaves for oral health |
| Constituents: | Tannins, anthocyanins, vitamin C, ellagic acid |
| 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 sage for sore throat; with rosehip for antioxidants |
| Contra Indications: | May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid excessive use; 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 digestive support or wound treatment in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| 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 |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Wood for crafts, dye from fruit, 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+fruticosus |
| Share: | Private |