Red Raspberry

Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus

Red Raspberry
Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus

A hardy native shrub, Red Raspberry is prized for its delicious, nutritious fruit and exceptional value to wildlife. In late spring, clusters of small white flowers bloom along the arching canes, attracting native bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators. By midsummer, the blossoms ripen into bright red, sweet berries enjoyed by birds, mammals, and people alike.

The fine, thorny canes spread by underground rhizomes and naturally form dense thickets, creating valuable nesting and shelter habitat for birds and small mammals. Easy to grow and highly adaptable, Red Raspberry thrives in sunny openings, forest edges, and disturbed areas, making it an excellent choice for edible landscapes, restoration projects, and wildlife gardens.

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the berries are delicious fresh or used in jams, desserts, and preserves, while the leaves have a long history of traditional herbal use.

Growing Conditions

Height: 3–6 ft
Spread: Spreads readily by rhizomes to form colonies
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to loam, sandy, and rocky soils
Hardiness: Zone 3–7
Growth Rate: Fast
Prefers sunny locations with good air circulation
Ideal for edible landscapes, hedgerows, wildlife plantings, and naturalized areas.

Ecological Value

• Flowers provide an abundant source of nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators.
• Berries are an important summer food source for birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
• Dense thickets provide nesting cover and shelter for songbirds and small mammals.
• Excellent species for increasing biodiversity and supporting native food webs.

Larval Host Plant For

Supports the larvae of the Gray Comma (Polygonia progne), Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis), several hairstreak butterflies, and numerous native moth species.

Companion Species

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)
Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

1 Gallon Pots