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Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)

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description Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) Overview

Wineberry, Rubus phoenicolasius, is a deciduous, fruit-bearing bramble in the rose family that is native to eastern Asia. Its arching canes are densely covered with reddish hairs, and its red aggregate fruits develop inside bristly sepals that open as the berries ripen. Introduced to North America in the nineteenth century for breeding and cultivation, it has naturalized widely and is considered invasive in parts of the eastern United States because it forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation.

help Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) FAQ

Can people safely eat wineberries?

Ripe wineberries are edible and have a sweet-tart flavor similar to raspberries. Only correctly identified, fully ripe fruit should be eaten, especially where other thorny brambles grow nearby.

How can I distinguish wineberry from raspberry?

Wineberry has reddish, glandular hairs covering its canes and the bristly sepals that enclose developing fruit. When ripe, its glossy red berry pulls away from the receptacle like a raspberry.

Why is Rubus phoenicolasius considered invasive in the United States?

This eastern Asian bramble forms dense thickets that can crowd out native vegetation. It is invasive across parts of the eastern United States and should not be deliberately spread where local authorities list it as a problem species.

When are wineberries ready to pick?

The berries usually ripen in summer after the hairy sepals open and expose the fruit. A ripe berry is bright red, juicy, and detaches easily; pale or firmly attached fruit needs more time.

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