Wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Wineberry is characterized by its striking features that distinguish it from other bramble fruits. The stems are covered in distinctive red hairs and small thorns that provide a somewhat startling but beautiful aspect. The leaves of Wineberry are compound with three leaflets, primarily green in color, which may have serrated edges and a slightly white or silvery underside due to a fine fuzz. Wineberry's most recognizable aspect is perhaps its fruit. The berries are bright red and glossy, looking somewhat like raspberries. They're encased in a calyx – a protective top – that's visibly hairy and also reddish in color. This calyx opens up to reveal the fruit as it ripens. Another notable feature of Wineberry is its flowers. They tend to be small and white or pale pink, often budding in clusters. Throughout the growing season, these various elements come together to give Wineberry a unique and attractive appearance that can be quite ornamental despite its tendency to grow vigorously and potentially become invasive in certain areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Wineberry, Japanese Wineberry, Wine Raspberry, Dewberry.
Common names
Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as wineberry is not typically regarded as toxic to humans. In fact, its fruits are often harvested and consumed for their flavor. However, it's always prudent to exercise caution, as individual sensitivity can vary, and consuming any wild plant without proper identification or knowledge about its edibility can be risky.
To pets
Wineberry is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. The fruit of the wineberry plant is edible, and there are no well-documented cases of toxicity in pets such as dogs and cats. However, as with humans, always be cautious when allowing pets to eat plants, as individual animals could potentially have an allergic reaction, or there could be unknown toxins present, especially if the plant has been treated with chemicals or pesticides.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 10 (1.78 meters)
Spread
6 6 (1.98 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Rubus phoenicolasius, commonly known as wineberry, has extensive root systems that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for various wildlife species.
- Food Source for Wildlife: The berries are a source of food for birds, small mammals, and insects.
- Pollinator Attraction: Wineberry flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are important for the ecosystem.
- Edible Fruit: The berries are edible for humans and can be used in jams, pies, and other culinary preparations.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive fruit and foliage, wineberry can add visual interest to gardens and natural landscapes.
Medical Properties-
- Antioxidant: The fruits of wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) are known for their high antioxidant content, which can help in neutralizing free radicals in the body.
-- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that theextracts from wineberry may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
-- Antimicrobial: Wineberry has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties, which may help in fighting certain bacterial infections.
-- Blood sugar regulation: There is some evidence to suggest that wineberry might influence blood sugar levels, although more research is needed to fully understand this interaction.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fruit of the Wineberry can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, providing shades of purple and red depending on the mordant used.
- In landscaping, Wineberry can be used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive silver-backed leaves and bright red fruits.
- Bird enthusiasts plant Wineberry to attract birds, which enjoy eating the berries when they ripen.
- Its dense brambles provide natural shelter for small wildlife, offering protection from predators.
- The canes of Wineberry can be woven into baskets and other forms of natural fiber art.
- Local foragers can harvest Wineberry fruits for making homemade jams, jellies, and pies.
- Some beekeepers value Wineberry for its potential to support bee populations by providing nectar when in bloom.
- The thorny thickets of Wineberry can act as a barrier or natural fence, deterring unwanted animals and foot traffic.
- Stem cuttings from Wineberry can be rooted to propagate new plants for gardening or conservation purposes.
- Culinary experimenters use Wineberry leaves as a flavoring agent in wild-fermented beverages like beers and wines.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wineberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wineberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Invasiveness: The Rubus phoenicolasius, commonly known as the Wineberry, is an invasive species in many regions. It symbolizes encroachment and the idea of something taking over where it might not belong, highlighting themes of displacement and competition.
- Survival: As a hardy plant that thrives in various conditions, Wineberry symbolizes resilience and the ability to endure challenging environments, adapting and surviving against the odds.
- Abundance: Wineberry plants produce a plentiful harvest of berries, symbolizing abundance and generosity, as well as the rewards of cultivation and the bounty of nature.
- Temptation: With its bright, attractive fruit, the Wineberry can symbolize temptation and desire, representing something that is enticing to the senses but may not always be beneficial to indulge in.
WaterThe wineberry plant, when established, typically requires watering once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, water twice a week to maintain the soil's moisture, but avoid waterlogging. It's preferable to water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
LightWineberry prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can still produce fruit with a minimum of four hours of sun. Avoid placing wineberry plants in deep shade as this will reduce fruit production and overall vigor.
TemperatureWineberry plants thrive in a temperate climate and can survive winter temperatures down to 20°F. Their ideal growing temperature ranges from 70°F to 85°F. Extreme temperatures above 95°F or prolonged frost conditions can damage the plant.
PruningPrune wineberry plants in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased canes and to shape the plant. Pruning helps to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, which are crucial for preventing disease and promoting healthy fruit production. Thin out the canes, leaving about four to six of the most vigorous canes per plant for the current year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWineberry prefers a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good soil mix can be created using equal parts of loam, peat, and well-rotted compost to ensure adequate nutrients and moisture retention.
RepottingWineberry plants don't often require repotting as they are vigorous growers and can spread via their roots if given space. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingWineberry thrives in moderate humidity levels, typically between 40-60%. They are quite adaptable but should not be exposed to extremely dry air for prolonged periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, adequate moisture, and good air circulation for Wineberry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, fertile soil, and water regularly for Wineberry.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA.
Life cycleRubus phoenicolasius, commonly known as the wineberry, begins its life when a seed germinates in spring, ideally in moist and fertile soil. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant with trifoliate leaves and prickly canes, expanding through suckers and rhizomes. In its second year, the biennial canes produce flowering laterals, with small white to light pink flowers blooming in late spring to early summer. Following pollination by bees and other insects, these flowers develop into bright red, rasp-like aggregate fruits that ripen in mid to late summer. After fruiting, the biennial canes die back, while perennial roots continue to send up new canes for future growth. Come fall, leaves drop as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings from new growth in late spring to early summer. A softwood cutting should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with at least two pairs of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before placing it in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to encourage root growth. The cutting should be kept under high humidity conditions, either in a greenhouse or under a plastic dome, and in indirect light until roots have established. After rooting, which typically takes several weeks, the new wineberry plant can be potted up or planted out in the desired location. Care should be taken to ensure that the parent plant is healthy and free of pests or diseases to produce the best cuttings for propagation.
