How to identify Creeping raspberry (Rubus rolfei)

How to identify Creeping raspberry (Rubus rolfei)

Creeping raspberry, also known as Taiwanese Creeping Rubus, Emerald Carpet

Creeping raspberry is part of a robust genus known for its thorny or bristly stems. This plant typically falls between the classifications of a shrub and a vine, with some species exhibiting erect, arching growth up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) high while others sprawl along the ground. Its leaves are compound, often featuring toothed or lobed edges. The flowers and fruits conspicuously emerge on the previous season’s canes, rarely on new shoots, and come in various colors and sizes, depending on the species. These characteristics make creeping raspberry a recognizable member of its genus, with a distinct growth habit and reproductive strategy.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Creeping raspberry

Compound leaves with toothed or lobed edges, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long, shiny dark green turning copper in fall.

Subtle star-shaped white flowers, 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, emit a faint fragrance.

Bright red aggregate fruit, 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), glossy skin with hair-like structures.

Robust growth habit, often arching up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) or sprawling, recognizable in genus.

Inconspicuous flowers amidst dense foliage, blooms from April to June, delicate charm.

Detailed Traits of Creeping raspberry

Leaf Features

The leaves of creeping raspberry are ivy-shaped, crinkly, and shiny with a dark green hue. They feature three to five deeply lobed and furrowed sections, which create a textured appearance. Each leaf can span around 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in length. In the fall, the foliage changes to a striking copper color with subtle rust and pink tones. The dense and deeply branched nature of these leaves contributes to the plant's characteristic dense carpet formation.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of creeping raspberry are subtle and typically emerge in mid-summer, interspersed within the dense foliage. Each bloom consists of small, white petals arranged in a delicate, star-shaped pattern. Measuring approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, these flowers are inconspicuous yet charming, often requiring a closer look to fully appreciate. They emit a faint, pleasant fragrance and bloom from April to June, adding a delicate touch to the plant during this period.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of creeping raspberry is a conspicuous, bright red drupe resembling a diminutive blackberry, typically measuring around 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). This aggregate fruit is composed of several smaller drupelets that are tightly clustered together, each containing a seed. The skin of the fruit is mildly glossy with tiny hair-like structures, giving it a slightly textured feel. As the fruit matures, its deep red coloration might suggest a sweet and juicy interior, common to other members of the Rubus genus.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Creeping raspberry and Their Similar Plants

Red raspberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

Red raspberry is a perennial forest shrub with elongated, thorny stems. The stems grow rapidly during their first year and bloom in their second year. The plant produces small, aggregate fruit that has a distinct aroma and a sweet-and-sour taste. Rubus idaeus cultivars are hybrids between this red raspberry and the American species R. Strigosus.

Common blackberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

Common blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) is a deciduous shrub endemic to North America. This wild plant is commonly found on clearings and woodland margins. Its fruit is edible and has a sweet, mildly spicy taste. The fruits are most commonly eaten raw, but they can also be cooked or dried.

Black raspberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

The black raspberry is occasionally grown commercially, although not very popular due to its low yield. Black raspberry can be consumed dried, frozen, fresh, as a purée, juiced or in liqueur. Besides, it can also be used as a natural dye.

Wineberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

Wineberry (*Rubus phoenicolasius*) is a plant species native to northeast Asia. Wineberry has been naturalized in both Europe and North America as an ornamental plant. This plant is edible, and its berries are sometimes mistaken for raspberries or blackberries.

Northern dewberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

Northern dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) is a perennial shrub related to the rose. Northern dewberry has a fragrant smell and attracts many bees to serve as pollinators. The berries from northern dewberry are edible and commonly made into pies.

Southern dewberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

The southern dewberry is a delicious and edible fruit-bearing plant with dark blueberries that can appear black. The taste is sweet and can be used for jams or pies. The leaves, meanwhile, can be used to make tea. It is a special delicacy in the southern United States, where the Rubus trivialis originated.

Salmonberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

Salmonberry is a shrub growing to 1.07 to 4 m tall. It is known for its fruit, which bears resemblance to a raspberry. This plant earned its common name due to the fact that these berries were traditionally eaten by Native Americans with salmon or salmon roe. The taste of the berries themselves is somewhat bland but depends on the climate and site of growth.

Purple-flowering raspberry vs. Creeping raspberry: What's The Difference?

The purple-flowering raspberry is a type of raspberry bush with large showy flowers and no thorns or prickers to get in your way. The flowers on this bush will last throughout the summer, giving way to some tart, though still edible, small-sized berries. Also known as the thimbleberry or Rubus odoratus, this delightful bush can spread into large thickets.

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Key Facts About Creeping raspberry

Attributes of Creeping raspberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

1.8 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 cm

Flower Color

White

Leaf type

Semi-evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Creeping raspberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Brambles

Species

Creeping raspberry (Rubus rolfei)

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Distribution Map of Creeping raspberry

Creeping raspberry is a plant native to major regions of East and Southeast Asia. Over time, it has been introduced and cultivated in areas of the Pacific, including Oceania. The species flourishes both in its natural habitat and in regions where it has been cultivated. Creeping raspberry's distribution reflects a successful adaptation beyond its original geographic range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Creeping raspberry

A Comprehensive Guide to Creeping raspberry How to Grow and Care for Creeping raspberry