Raspberry and Blackberry Rubus spp.
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Branching: Alternate
The fruits of this group are well-known, and most hikers are familiar
with their tangled and spiny stems. There are many species, and
many look quite similar even in the summer. They usually have
arching reddish stems that are covered in small sharp prickles.
Sometimes the stems are covered in a white waxy "bloom" and
sometimes the stems arch over and and their tips take root.
Characteristics like that are helpful in identifying the precise
species. Blackberries are larger shrubs, with stouter stems that
are angled, or ridged.
The reddish stem of a Rubus
Another view of the stem
Growth form is often arching
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© 2008 Josh Sayers
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