Raspberry Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' (F)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Red Raspberry, European Raspberry, Wild Raspberry

• Common names

  Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' (F).

Toxicity

• To humans

  Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', commonly known as raspberry, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, raspberries are widely consumed as food, and the plant is cultivated for its fruit. There are no well-documented toxic effects from eating raspberries or parts of this plant. However, it is always advisable to consume plants from trusted sources to avoid any potential contamination with pesticides or herbicides.

• To pets

  Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', known commonly as raspberry, is also not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. The fruit is often eaten by animals in the wild and can be consumed by pets without causing harm. As with humans, there are no recognized toxic substances in raspberries that would cause poisoning in pets. It's important, though, to introduce any new food to a pet's diet gradually and in moderation to avoid potential digestive upset.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Spread

  4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Produces fruit: Raspberry 'Malling Jewel' is known for bearing sweet, red raspberries that can be eaten fresh, used in cooking or baking, or preserved.
• Attractive to wildlife: The berries attract birds and other wildlife, which can be beneficial for biodiversity in gardens and wild areas.
• Ease of care: This variety of raspberry is relatively easy to grow and hardy in a variety of climates, making it accessible for many gardeners.
• Decorative: Raspberry plants can add aesthetic value to gardens with their fruit and seasonal foliage changes.
• Perennial growth: As a perennial plant, it comes back year after year without the need for replanting, offering a sustained presence in a garden or orchard.
• Pollinator-friendly: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
• Adaptable: The 'Malling Jewel' can grow in a range of soil types, as long as there is good drainage and moderate fertility.
• Can be trained and pruned: It is amenable to training and pruning, allowing gardeners to manage the plant's shape and size for space and productivity.
• Provides seasonal interest: Raspberry plants have a growth cycle that includes flowering, fruiting, and autumn foliage, offering visual interest throughout the growing season.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant properties: The fruit of Rubus idaeus, commonly known as Raspberry, contains high levels of antioxidants which are believed to help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: The leaves and fruits have compounds that may provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Gastrointestinal aid: Raspberry leaves have been traditionally used to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
• Menstrual relief: Raspberry leaf has been used traditionally to alleviate menstrual discomfort.
• Glycemic control: Components in raspberries may help in managing blood sugar levels, although clinical evidence is limited.
• Cardiovascular support: The fiber and polyphenol content in raspberries can contribute to cardiovascular health.
• Immune system support: The vitamin C and other antioxidants in raspberries may support the immune system.
• Vitamins and minerals: Raspberries provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', commonly known as raspberry, can be used to craft natural dyes for fabrics and textiles due to its pigmented juice.
• Its canes, when dried and treated, may be woven into baskets or used in wickerwork for decorative or functional items.
• Raspberry leaves can be infused into oils to make natural scented candles, offering a subtle fruity aroma when burned.
• The plant can also serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as some insects dislike the scent of raspberry leaves.
• Raspberry plants provide valuable habitat and food for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the conservation of local ecosystems.
• When pruned, the excess plant material can be used as a mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
• The fruit residue from jam-making can be repurposed into compost as a soil amendment to nourish garden plants.
• The dried fruit of raspberry can be used in potpourri blends to add a pleasant fruity scent to rooms.
• It can act as a flavoring agent in homemade lip balms and glosses, giving a natural berry flavor and slight tint.
• Raspberry canes can be used as garden stakes for supporting other plants, providing a use for pruned canes that might otherwise be discarded.

Feng Shui

Raspberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Raspberry is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: The thorny canes of raspberry plants, including the Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', have historically been thought to symbolize protection, serving as a deterrence to negative forces and pests.
• Fertility and Abundance: Raspberry plants are often associated with fertility and abundance due to their plentiful and succulent fruit, representing life's sweetness and fruitfulness.
• Kindness: The nurturing nature required to cultivate raspberries, along with the plant's bountiful yield, also symbolizes kindness and generosity.
• Innocence and Purity: Raspberries have been linked to purity and innocence in some folklore tales, where their bright red berries evoke a sense of gentle simplicity and wholesomeness.