Rubus chamaemorus

Common Names

Cloudberry, Bakeapple, Baked Apple Berry

Summary

Cloudberry is a circumboreal, herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae native to cool temperate regions, often forming thickets via creeping rhizomes. It grows 5–30 cm tall, with reniform leaves and white terminal flowers; the amber-colored berry is an edible aggregate fruit ripening in summer, and the plant is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for fruit production.

Growing conditions favor moist to boggy, acidic soils with consistent moisture, in full sun to semi-shade, while calcareous soils are avoided; propagation occurs by seed (which requires cold stratification), division, or stem cuttings, and rhizomes promote creeping, clonal spread; berries are used in jams, juices, and desserts and the plant has cultural and culinary significance in Nordic and Arctic cuisines; it is hardy to UK zone 2 and tolerates cold to about -25°C.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-12 inches

Spread

3.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-5

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates full sun to partial shade

Soil Type

Acidic, moist, peat-rich, well-drained loamy soil.

Soil Drainage

Poorly drained, wet boggy peat soils

Soil pH

4.0-5.2

Bloom Color

White (sometimes reddish-tipped)

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast to rapid growth, especially under optimal conditions.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering, Rhizomes

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds