Rubus acaulis — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit

Fruit - raw or cooked. Richly flavoured, it is similar to R. arcticus but with smaller and more numerous drupelets.

Where to Find It

Northern N. America - Labrador to Alaska, south to Colorado and southern British Columbia.

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories (west), Yukon, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Alaska, Michigan (Schoolcraft Co.), Minnesota (north), Colorado (north-central), Montana (west), Wyoming (north-central))

How to Identify

Rubus acaulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is closely related to R. arcticus, and is included in that species by some botanists. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade.

Propagation: Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.