Rubus parviflorus |
Native Region: Queen Charlotte Islands collection
Zone Range: 3-9
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining humus soil
Harvest Date: Monday 13 September, 2010
Seed count: 40-50
Description:
A 1-3 meter (3-10 foot) tall thornless berry producing native shrub with large soft maple shaped leaves. Clusters of white pollen and nectar filled blossoms are followed by crimsom fruit in late summer. Fruits give a clear bright red juice and taste very much like raspberries. Great eating fresh, for jams, jelly, and other preserves. Fruit does not keep so either process or freeze the day's pickings. Makes great thickets if left untended. Drought resistant when established but fruit production suffers in severe drought.
Notes:
Tolerates seaside plantings. Great for hedging. Produces on new wood, so takes well to severe pruning. Loved by wildlife. Fruit separate cleanly for easy harvesting.
Cultivation:
Birds do a great job distributing the seed...so do what the birds do! Soak seed 24 hours in warm water, mix with a little sand to sow evenly (and thinly) onto a humus rich medium. Barely cover with a layer of humus and mist well. Cold stratfify for 1-2 months then give 10-15 C to germinate. Seedlings do best in a shady cool location in their first year. Do not let the medium dry out for the first year.
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