About Rubus deliciosus Torr.
Rubus deliciosus Torr. is a deciduous shrub or vine that typically grows 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, and rarely reaches 3 m (10 ft), with arching stems. Unlike many other Rubus species, its flowering stems are perennial. Its bark is flaky and peeling. Its leaves are simple, which is not the case for most other species in the Rubus genus; they measure 3.3–5 cm in both length and width, have three shallowly rounded lobes (and are occasionally unlobed or five-lobed), and become glabrous on the underside. Its fragrant flowers are 3.8–6 cm in diameter, with five white petals 1.5–3 cm across. The fruit is dark red and 10–13 mm in diameter; it is rather dry and not highly valued, though its flavor is reported to be delicious. Wild forms of the species generally produce unappealing fruit. This species grows on scrub and rocky slopes in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and Wyoming. Isolated populations have also been reported in the Texas Panhandle and the Black Hills of South Dakota. For cultivation, Rubus deliciosus requires well-drained soil in full sun. It is hardy to USDA zone 5 (-20 °F; -29 °C), and can be propagated by cuttings taken in July or August.
