Plant Names
Rubus occidentalis
Black Raspberry
Framboisier noir
Synonyms
thimbleberry
mûrier
ronce occidentale
Plant Characteristics
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Period: May - Jun
Max Height: 6.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates medium soil condition
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Supports birds
Butterfly host
Keystone species
Supports birds
Butterfly host
Keystone species
Tolerates:
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Fun Facts
Black Raspberry has arching canes, white flowers, and dark purple-black berries in summer. It grows naturally along woodland edges, fields, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soils. It is a vigorous grower that spreads through suckers and arching canes. It requires annual pruning for healthy growth. It can become thorny and difficult to manage in small spaces. It is best planted along property edges or larger gardens. It produces best fruit in full sun.
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Canadensis
Thrives in Ecozones
- Boreal Plains
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Rubus occidentalis
-
Automeris io
Io moth -
Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria
Blackberry looper - Arpenteuse des ronces -
Cingilia catenaria
Chain-dotted geometer - Arpenteuse caténaire
Specialized Bees Supported by Rubus occidentalis
No bee data available for this plant.
Complementary Plants
- No complementary plants found.
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Rubus (Non-native Raspberries)
Sowing Information
Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow by January
- Stratification conditions: cold moist stratifyy
- Stratification duration: 90 days
- Self-seeding
- Notes: Soak in hot water and let stand for 24 hours.
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: July
- Harvesting indicator:
- Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
- Harvesting:
- Squeeze berries to extract seeds, wash with soapy water, rinse throroughly
- Seed viability test:
- No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: A dozen (12) seeds (eyeball)
- Seed storage:
- Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
- Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- No harvesting video available at this time.
Toxicity Notes
Not known to be toxic to mammals if ingested.