Plant Profile: Rubus idaeus

The raspberry is a perennial shrub known for its sweet, red fruits that are edible. This species is categorized into two primary varieties: Rubus idaeus var. idaeus, commonly referred to as the European raspberry, which originates from Eurasia, and Rubus idaeus var. strigosus, known as the American red raspberry, which is found across much of North America. A key distinction between the two is that var. strigosus features glandular hairs and peeling bark, characteristics that var. idaeus does not possess. Additionally, var. idaeus typically thrives in higher, drier upland areas.