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Description
Rubus Fraxinifolius, commonly known as the ash-leaved bramble, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as swamps, thickets, and woods. The ash-leaved bramble has a sprawling growth habit, and it can grow up to 3 meters in height. The plant produces white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer, which are followed by edible black fruits in late summer or early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Angiospermae |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rubus |
Appearance
The ash-leaved bramble has a sprawling growth habit with arching stems that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The stems are covered with prickles, which can be painful to touch. The leaves are compound, and each leaflet is ovate and toothed. The leaflets have a whitish underside, giving the plant its common name, ash-leaved bramble. The plant produces white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer, which are followed by edible black fruits in late summer or early fall.
Care Guide
The ash-leaved bramble is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The ash-leaved bramble prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The ash-leaved bramble prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The ash-leaved bramble is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The ash-leaved bramble is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Cane blight: This fungal disease can cause dieback of the plant’s canes. Prune infected canes and dispose of them in the trash.
- Crown gall: This bacterial disease causes the formation of galls on the plant’s roots and stems. There is no cure for crown gall, so infected plants should be removed and disposed of.
Habitat
The ash-leaved bramble is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as swamps, thickets, and woods. The plant prefers moist soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the fruits of the ash-leaved bramble edible?
A: Yes, the fruits of the ash-leaved bramble are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.
Q: Can the ash-leaved bramble be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it may not produce as many fruits as it would in the ground.
Q: How often should I water my ash-leaved bramble?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I propagate the ash-leaved bramble from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the spring.
Related Plants
- Rubus allegheniensis
- Rubus argutus
- Rubus frondosus
References
- “Rubus Fraxinifolius.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279565&isprofile=0&. Accessed 27 July 2021.
- “Rubus Fraxinifolius.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RUFR2. Accessed 27 July 2021.
