COMMON NAME
Wineberry
FULL SCIENTIFIC NAME
Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim.
FAMILY NAME COMMON
Rose family
FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME
Rubus phoenicolasius
IMAGES
 Leaves and Fruit |
 Leaves and Flowers |
 Flowers close-up |
 Upper (green) and lower side (white) of leaves |
 Close-up of Stem |
NOMENCLATURE/SYNONYMS
Synonyms: None
DESCRIPTION
Rubus phoenicolasius is a perennial that reaches 2 m (6.5 ft.) in height and has arching stems. The stems are densely hairy, and have a few slender prickles. These reddish-purple, glandular hairs measure 3-5 mm (0.1-0.2 in.) long. The petioles and inflorescences also have these hairs on them. The leaves are arranged alternately and each leaf is comprised of three leaflets. The terminal leaflet is broadly ovate in shape, with an acuminate apex and a rounded base. This leaflet measures 10 cm (4 in.) in length. The lateral leaflets are similar in shape, but much smaller in size. The upper leaf surface is pubescent and the lower leaf surface is densely white-tomentose, which is easily noticed when the leaves blow in the wind. The margins of the leaves are serrate. The flowers of Rubus phoenicolasius are arranged in many-flowered panicles. The petals are small, white, and narrowly ovate in shape. The sepals are hairy and longer than the petals, giving the flowers an "unopened" look. The flowers appear in late May to early June. The berries (clusters of drupelets) are juicy and bright, shiny red in color. They are about 1 cm (0.4 in.) thick and may have fine hairs. They ripen in June to July. Page References Bailey 525, Fernald 821, Gleason & Cronquist 251, Holmgren 231, Magee & Ahles 606. See reference section below for full citations.
SIMILAR SPECIES
Rubus spp. Other species of Rubus lack the red, glandular-hairy stems and the white lower leaf surfaces.
REPRODUCTIVE/DISPERSAL MECHANISMS
Rubus phoenicolasius is mainly dispersed by birds and mammals that consume the red fruits. It can also reproduce vegetatively when the canes come in contact with the soil.
DISTRIBUTION
Rubus phoenicolasius is native to China and Japan. In the United States it has been reported from Vermont to Georgia and west to Illinois and Arkansas. In New England it has been found in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
HISTORY OF INTRODUCTION IN NEW ENGLAND
Rubus phoenicolasius was introduced into the United States in 1890. It was used for breeding stock for other species of Rubus. It is still used to implement specific genes into other Rubus species. It is unknown how this plant got introduced into New England specifically, but it was most likely through its use as a plant to breed with other species of Rubus that are present in New England.
HABITATS IN NEW ENGLAND
,Early Successional Forest,Edge,Floodplain Forest,Herbaceous Wetland,Open Disturbed Area,Roadside,Shrub Wetland,Vacant Lot,Wet Meadow,Yard or GardenRubus phoenicolasius prefers moist soil and sun, though it can survive in other habitat types.
THREATS
Rubus phoenicolasius can rapidly form dense monotypic thickets that crowd out native vegetation. Since the fruits are tasty, it is often not recognized as a problem. Copious fruit production and subsequent bird-dispersal contribute to its spread across the landscape.
MANAGEMENT LINKS
Plant Conservation Alliance
Fact sheet including management information
DOCUMENTATION NEEDS
Documentation required: A specific photograph or mounted snippet of the flowers or the underside of the leaves.
Best time for documentation: Summer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Taxonomic information
PLANTS Database
General information and map
Plant Conservation Alliance
Fact sheet
ARS-GRIN
Brief description and historical information
Virginia Tech Dendrology
Description and photographs