Plant & Pest Diagnostics

Rubus spp.

Rosaceae (Rose family)

Life cycle

Woody perennials.  A plant that lives for more than a year, has hard rather than fleshy stems, and bears buds that survive above ground in winter. Trees, shrubs, many vines, and bamboos are examples of woody perennials.

Leaves

Alternate, typically compound with three to seven leaflets with toothed margins. Undersides of leaves are white to green.

Stems

Arching/trailing stems that root when in contact with the ground to form thickets. Stems have fine bristles or stiff prickles.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers have five usually white petals; may be solitary or in clusters. Fruit are red or black berries with numerous seeds.

Reproduction

Seeds, rooting stems, root sprouts and rhizomes.