Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Rubus leucodermis (Blackcap, Whitebark Raspberry)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Rosidae

Order Rosales

Family Rosaceae – Rose family

Genus Rubus L. – blackberry

Species Rubus leucodermis Douglas ex Torr. & A. Gray – whitebark raspberry

Do not be confused by the black color of this plant's ripe berries. They are actually classified as raspberries because the fruit comes off without the core.

The growth habit is shrubby with arching whitish canes that will root and form into a thicket. Native berries will spread but are not as invasive as alien species.

This one is native to Alaska and all of the Western States USDA zones 1-8.

Blackcaps are frequently found growing in open sunny sites that have been disturbed or clear-cut.

Native Americans used the berries for food and once used them to make dye. The shoots were also eaten and have medicinal properties.

Blackcaps make good jams and jellies and are beneficial as food for wildlife.