Rubus arcticus subsp. acaulis

Common Names

Arctic Raspberry, Dwarf Raspberry, Arctic Bramble

Summary

Dwarf raspberry is a perennial herb/subshrub in Rosaceae that spreads by a slender creeping rhizome, forming low mats with slender erect flowering shoots, featuring palmately compound leaves with three leaflets, pink to magenta flowers, and red to dark purple globose fruits composed of numerous drupelets (roughly 15 to 30). Native to subarctic North America and Eurasia with circumpolar distribution, it occupies subalpine to arctic habitats and is often found in damp, open landscapes.

For cultivation, propagation occurs by seed, requiring stratification, or by division; it grows easily in well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade and tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH with moist soil. The edible fruit can be eaten raw or cooked; leaves have astringent properties used medicinally for diarrhoea, and dye can be obtained from the fruit.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6 inches

Spread

20 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist, with slightly acidic pH around 5.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained loamy soil

Soil pH

pH around 5.5, tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Pink to rose or magenta

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, birds