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Purple-flowering Raspberry, Thimbleberry - Rubus odoratus


Family: Rosaceae - Rose family Genus Common Name: Blackberry Native Status: NativeDicot Perennial Subshrub
Rubus odoratus - Purple-flowering Raspberry, Thimbleberry. The clusters of purple flowers with nice maple-shaped leaves make this an an attractive plant, found along roadsides and the edges of fertile forests. It is a shrub that grows thickly, to around 5 feet tall.

Endangered or Threatened in Illinois and Indiana.

Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV

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Rubus odoratus

Distribution of Rubus odoratus in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Cherohala Skyway,Monroe County, TN Date: 2016-May-13Photographer: Gerry Williamson
Nikon D7000
This member of the rose family has 5 large, overlapping, rounded petals surrounding numerous creamy stamens.
Rubus odoratus
Site: Haywood County, NC Date: 2010-July-12Photographer: Cindy Williamson
Nikon D40
Unlike many members of the rose family including most members of the blackberry genus Rubus, Rubus odorata doesn't have thorns, but it does have bristly hairs, especially near the blossom clusters.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Rubus odoratus
Site: Haywood County, NC Date: 2010-July-12Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
Rubus odorata grows in thick colonies, to about 5 feet high. The leaves are cordate-based and palmate-lobed, with 3 to 5 lobes. The margins are serrate.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Rubus odoratus
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Rubus odoratus initially published on USWildflowers.com 2010-08-29; Updated 2016-05-13

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