Rubus Species, European Raspberry, Raspberry, Red Raspberry

Tea made from the leaves are excellent women's menstrual and some pregnancy complaints (mostly to help with bleeding); other uses also.

This plant's medicinal use by native American indians is extensive. Chippewa, Iroquois, Cherokee and Omaha indians used this plant for e...Read Moreverything from toothache remedies to cough medicines to analgesics and much more.

Suckering shrub from Europe and possibly other temperate regions of the world.

Has pinnate, toothed, veined, mid green lea...Read Moreves which sometimes bear small prickles. The arching stems (canes) bear an abundance of thorns and gloves are advised if you need to cut them back. Bears short lived white flowers, followed by red, sweet tasting fruit (drupe) in Autumn.

Flowers May-July

Likes moist but well drained, fertile soil in sun or shade.

Very heavy feeders which won't fruit well on light soil.

Plant 2 ft apart in rows, 4 ft apart, canes planted too close won't fruit so well as those given space. Keep the area free of weeds, raspberries aren't keen on competition.

In late Autumn cut summer fruited stems to the ground and cut back the new, unfruited shoots to about 2ft tall. These will bear next years crop.

Other than that they are reletively easy to grow and very eager to fruit.

Move the canes to a new spot every 5 years or so as they will deplete the soil and the harvest will dwindle in time, if left in one spot.

The leaves have astringent properties and can be used as a gargle for sore thorats, tea for mild stomach complaints and a wash for wounds. However, as with everthing, it is worth seeking professional herbal advice before using it.

The fruit has a sweet, slightly acidic taste which is wonderful in jams and as a sauce to accompany various puddings. The fruit does have a lot of seed so you may need to sieve them after cooking to remove them.

The fruit is also used in some alcoholic drinks and vinegars.