Rubus hirsutus

The Genus Rubus includes blackberry, dewberry, and raspberry and most members of the Genus share the traits of thorny or bristly stems and compound leaves. Also, flowers and fruit appear on last season’s canes (branches), seldom on new shoots, which means one must be cautious when pruning and not remove the canes that will yield next year's berries. There are differences, however, among species; for example, some are erect or arching shrubs up to 8 feet high and others trail on the ground like vines. Some, such as dewberries, produce fruits in the spring while blackberries and raspberries fruit during the summer. In general, Genus Rubus contains some of the most important plants for wildlife in the southeast.

Rubus hirsutus, or Hirsute raspberry, is a deciduous perennial shrub growing to 6 or 7 feet high and typically found in thickets, slopes, and disturbed areas. It grows easily in a good well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade and can be propagated by division in the spring. White flowers with both male and female parts appear in June and the seeds ripen from July to August into edible berries. The plant will grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus