Bring the rich flavor of the Pacific Northwest to your garden with the Whitebark Black Raspberry (Rubus leucodermis) — also known as the Western Blackcap Raspberry. This native North American shrub is prized for its sweet, deep-purple to black berries and its remarkable hardiness.
Perfect for home gardeners and permaculture enthusiasts, the plant produces clusters of aromatic berries high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural sweetness.

The Whitebark Black Raspberry thrives in sunny to partially shaded conditions and adapts well to a variety of soils. Its thorny canes provide excellent cover for wildlife, making it both an edible and ecological asset to any landscape.

Features

• Native North American Plant: Perfect for wildlife-friendly and sustainable gardens.
• Delicious Berries: Sweet, tangy flavor ideal for fresh eating, jams, or baking.
• Cold and Drought Tolerant: Hardy in cooler climates and low-water regions.
• High in Nutrients: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Easy to Grow: Minimal maintenance once established; self-pollinating variety.

Specifications

• Common Name: Whitebark Black Raspberry / Western Blackcap Raspberry
• Scientific Name: Rubus leucodermis
• Plant Type: Perennial deciduous shrub
• USDA Zones: 5 – 9
• Mature Height: 3 – 6 ft (0.9 – 1.8 m)
• Spread: 4 – 8 ft (1.2 – 2.4 m)
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-draining loam or sandy soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once mature
• Temperature Range: 40 – 85°F (4 – 29°C)
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Fruit Season: Mid to late summer
• Germination Time: 3 – 8 weeks (cold stratification recommended)
• GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
• Organic Status: Naturally produced, untreated seeds
• Uses: Culinary, ornamental, wildlife habitat, erosion control

Planting Guide

• Stratify Seeds: Place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag and refrigerate for 4–6 weeks.
• Sowing: After stratification, plant seeds ¼ inch deep in moist, well-draining soil.
• Light: Provide full sun or partial shade.
• Temperature: Keep soil warm, around 70°F (21°C) for germination.
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Transplanting: Move young plants outdoors after frost danger has passed.
• Spacing: Space 3–5 ft apart for optimal air circulation.
• Maintenance: Prune canes after fruiting to encourage new growth.
• Harvest: Berries ripen from mid to late summer; pick when dark purple to black.

Care Tips

• Provide mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
• Train canes along a trellis or fence for support.
• Protect ripening fruit from birds using netting.
• Apply compost or balanced organic fertilizer annually in spring.
• Prune dead or weak canes each winter for healthy growth.