Rubus idaeus from the Rosaceae family is a well known and much loved aggregate fruit bearing plant from Europe and temperate Asia better known as raspberry, American red raspberry, or Grayleaf red raspberry.
R. idaeus is a deciduous shrub hardy to zone 3 (UK) and is not frost tender. Hermaphrodite flowers formed between June and August are self fertile, mainly pollinated by bees/flies. Growing up to 2 metres at a medium rate, this delightful plant can often be found in neglected or mixed deciduous hedges.
Wildlife & Rubus idaeus
Flowers from R. idaeus provide a great source of nectar for bees, leaves are often eaten by insects such as caterpillars and the fruits are often eaten by birds and mammals such as badgers/foxes.
Wildlife & Eco Gardens can not take any responsibility for the ingestion, use or any adverse reactions from the use of plants. Always seek professional advice before using a plant medicinally.
Edible uses
- Fruits, raw, dried or cooked
- Herbal tea made from the dried leaves
- Roots (neither too young or too old) can be eaten but require a lot of boiling first
- Young shoots can be eaten like asparagus
Medicinal uses
- Leaves and roots are “anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and stimulant” (Plants for a future – raspberry)
Other uses
- A dull blue dye can be obtained from the fruit
- Fibres from the stems can be used to make paper
