It’s astonishing to think about, but there are countless unique species of berries out there, just waiting to be discovered on your next foraging adventure. And the good news is that many people have access to edible Rubus plants in their own backyard or neighborhood. For those new to foraging, berries are an excellent starting point. Not only can you enjoy a bountiful harvest without spending a dime, but it’s also a great way to develop your skills and build confidence.
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common Rubus species that are safe for foraging, perfect for getting started.
Rubus Berries You Can Forage
Rubus is a diverse plant genus with species spread across the globe, although only a few common varieties like raspberries and blackberries are typically found in grocery stores. The reality is that nobody knows for certain just how many different types exist, with estimates ranging from 250 to over 700. It’s possible that some remain undiscovered, waiting to be found by intrepid foragers.
Given the vast number of species, it’s impractical to compile a comprehensive list.
Instead, we’ll focus on the most common edible and safe-to-eat varieties you might encounter while foraging. Keep in mind that not all are sweet or even palatable – some have distinct flavors or textures.
Before diving into the world of foraged berries, if you’re new to this activity, please consult our primer on getting started with foraging berries. Once you’ve got a solid foundation, we can explore the many species that await discovery in your region.
Red Raspberries – Rubus idaeus
One of the most ubiquitous varieties of Rubus plants is the red raspberry, a staple found in containers throughout grocery stores across the country. Not only do they thrive in North America, but they also produce sweet and luscious red fruits that are highly prized. As perennials with biennial stems, these plants take several years to reach their full height of five to eight feet tall. The leaves, which typically consist of three to five leaflets, are relatively small in size.
Furthermore, the white flowers that adorn the plant are minute, measuring a mere half an inch in diameter.
Black Raspberries – Rubus occidentalis L.
In eastern North America, a treasure trove of wild black raspberries can be found growing in abundance. These dark purple berries boast a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and tart, making them a delicious foraging find. As a deciduous shrub, black raspberry bushes typically reach heights between seven and ten feet tall, although their stature in the wild is heavily influenced by the amount of sunlight they receive.
The plant’s distinctive pinnate leaves feature five leaflets, while its flowers are characterized by long, slender sepals that are nearly twice as long as the petals themselves.
Wild Blackberries – Rubus ulmifolius
Rubus plants, also known as elmleaf blackberry or thornless blackberry, are a species of wild blackberries. Originating in Europe and North Africa, they have naturalized in parts of the United States, with some areas considering them invasive. Despite this, the berries remain a delicious and enjoyable find for foragers and harvesters in California and other US states.
Characterized by bushes reaching up to 17 feet tall, though typically ranging from six to eight feet, these plants boast leaves featuring three to five leaflets that are green on top and white underneath. The pink or white flowers yield dark purple, almost black berries.
American Dewberry – Rubus flagellaris
Stretching from northern Mexico to the eastern and central United States, Rubus plants thrive in diverse climates, from arid regions to temperate forests. This adaptability allows them to flourish in various environments, showcasing their resilience.
One notable variety is Rubus flagellaris, which features low-growing stems that can reach up to 15 feet in length.
The plant’s growth is most pronounced during the mid-spring to early summer period, where it produces a five-petaled white flower that eventually ripens into berries.
As the fruit matures, it yields blackberries with a robust, tart flavor profile.
White Bark Raspberry – Rubus leucodermis
In western North America, from Alaska to northern Mexico, the leucodermis species thrives, characterized by its striking features. Its large, dark purple berries boast a flavor profile remarkably similar to blue raspberry, an unexpected twist given their evolutionary history. The plant’s unique characteristics are also reflected in its botanical name, which literally translates to ‘white skin,’ due to the thick, waxy coating that covers each berry.
Surprisingly, this coating doesn’t impact the fruit’s taste, leaving it sweet and flavorful. As for its physical appearance, leucodermis plants can grow up to five feet tall, sporting leaves with five leaflets each. The flowers are white, although occasionally, small purple blooms may also appear.
Garden Dewberry – Rubus aboriginum
Aboriginal dewberry, also known as a species of dewberry, is a widespread plant that can be found throughout the United States and Mexico. Its distinctive feature is the production of black, tart berries, which are particularly abundant in the southern Great Plains. This type of soil prefers rocky terrain or partial shade areas, often thriving in woodlands or abandoned fields.
Garden dewberries typically reach heights of up to six feet, although those grown in partial shade tend to be smaller. The leaves of this plant are ovate with serrated edges, while the flowers resemble those of other dewberries, featuring five white petals.
Aberdeen Dewberry – Rubus depavitus
The Aberdeen dewberry plant has a specific geographic range, thriving in the following states: Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, and Kentucky. Its berries, while black and tart like those of other dewberries, are produced from white flowers that bloom from March to June, with blooming periods influenced by sunlight and warmth.
Thimbleberry – Rubus parviflorus
Thimbleberries thrive in western North America, spanning from California to Alaska. While they may resemble red raspberries at first glance, the two are distinct species. One notable difference is their size – thimbleberry bushes are significantly shorter and produce smaller berries compared to raspberries. The fruits themselves boast a delightful sweetness and a dusty red hue, making them a treat for the taste buds.
However, due to their delicate nature, thimbleberries aren’t commercially cultivated, as they tend to fall apart easily. In contrast to other Rubus species, which can grow quite tall, thimbleberry shrubs typically reach heights of up to eight feet. A notable advantage when foraging is the lack of prickles on these bushes, allowing for a more straightforward harvesting experience.
The leaves themselves are large and impressive, measuring up to eight inches across and featuring up to five distinct lobes.
Salmonberry – Rubus spectabilis
In the Pacific Northwest region of North America, as well as other areas with frequent rainfall, salmonberries (also known as Joffelberry) thrive. Their range extends inland to Idaho. The plants are characterized by their vibrant red or orange-gold berries. While they may not boast a strong flavor profile, these berries find purpose in the creation of jams and preserves, as well as pairing well with salmon.
When it comes to physical stature, salmonberry shrubs typically reach eight feet in height, though ideal conditions can support growth up to 13 feet tall. The leaves are trifoliate, while flowers can measure up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. As the pinkish-purple blooms ripen into berries from May to late July, anticipate a vibrant display of color.
Swamp Dewberry – Rubus hispidus
In central and eastern North America, the bristly dewberry, also known as bristly groundberry, can be found thriving throughout its native range. This woody vine, which can grow up to eight feet in length, produces striking dark purple berries that are nearly black in color.
While the berries themselves are notoriously bitter, they do have a unique property – their intense pigmentation makes them an excellent natural dye option, or when paired with sufficient sugar, they can be used as a sweet and flavorful ingredient.
Botanically, the bristly dewberry is characterized by its leaves, which typically feature three leaflets but occasionally exhibit five. The flowers are also noteworthy, boasting five white petals that measure nearly one inch in diameter.
As with many wildflowers, the bristly dewberry tends to bloom during early to mid-summer, providing a vibrant display of color against the lush green backdrop of its native environment.
Cloudberry – Rubus chamaemorus
Cloudberry plants, sometimes referred to as Nordicberry or low-bush salmonberry, boast a unique characteristic – their berries transform from red when unripe to a vibrant sunset pink-orange to golden hue. This striking coloration is just one of the many fascinating aspects of these plants.
Physically, cloudberry plants can grow up to 10 feet tall, with leaves featuring between five and seven distinct lobes.
The white flowers that adorn these plants are a precursor to the large fruits that follow pollination in the summer months.
In terms of geographical distribution, cloudberries are commonly found in Nordic countries such as Russia and Finland, as well as throughout northern Canada and select states in the United States like Alaska, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. The plants’ adaptability to these regions is a testament to their hardiness.
Arctic Blackberry – Rubus arcticus
Arctic blackberries, also known as Arctic raspberries or Arctic bramble, have their roots in cold nations such as Scandinavia, Russia, Poland, and parts of Europe. In the United States, these berries thrive in areas like Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Maine, and Michigan. Characterized by their compact growth, the plants typically reach only about one foot tall, with pink, red, or magenta flowers adding a pop of color to the landscape.
The real treasure, however, lies in the berries themselves – dark red or deep purple in hue, and boasting a sweet flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re an avid forager or simply looking to elevate your culinary game, Arctic blackberries are a true delicacy.
Smooth Blackberry – Rubus canadensis
This particular species is known by various names, including Canadian blackberry or thornless blackberry. Its natural habitat spans central and eastern Canada, as well as the eastern United States. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon this plant in both wilderness areas and abandoned sites within city limits. One of its defining characteristics is the sweetness of its berries, which are smooth and dark in color.
The plants themselves reach heights between seven and ten feet tall, featuring clusters of up to 25 flowers that add to their striking appearance.
California Blackberry – Rubus ursinus
This plant, also known as California Dewberry or Pacific Blackberry, has a specific geographic range within western North America. It’s native to six regions: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. With its impressive height of up to five feet and spread of approximately six feet, this plant is a notable presence in its natural habitat. The leaves are characterized by their leaflets, typically ranging from one to five, although three leaflets are the most common.
Interestingly, California blackberries exhibit a remarkable range of colors – from dark purple to dark red, and even black – but all share a sweet and fragrant flavor profile.
Himalayan Blackberry – Rubus armeniacus
This prickly shrub is often viewed in contrasting lights – some see it as an invasive nuisance, while others recognize its potential as a valuable source of wild edibles. Native to Northern Iran and Armenia, it has since spread across North America, earning a reputation for rapidly colonizing vacant lots and roadsides along the northwest coast. The berries it produces may not be as sweet as those of other varieties, but their abundance is undeniable: one bush can yield up to a gallon’s worth.
While they may require some sugar to balance their tartness, foraging these berries is relatively straightforward.
