Brambles (blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, etc.)

August 24, 2015

Rubus spp.

Life cycle

Woody perennials. 

Leaves

Alternate, typically compound with three to seven leaflets with toothed margins. Undersides of leaves are white to green.

Bramble new leaf Bramble leaf underside
Raspberry leaf (leaf) and underside (right).

Stems

Arching/trailing stems that root when in contact with the ground to form thickets. Stems have fine bristles or stiff prickles. 

Bramble stem
Bramble stem with stiff prickles.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers have five usually white petals; may be solitary or in clusters. Fruit are red or black berries with numerous seeds.

Bramble new fruit
Raspberry foliage and fruit.

Reproduction

Seeds, rooting stems, root sprouts and rhizomes.

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