Purple-flowering Raspberry

Rubus odoratus

Pollinator Value

🔑 Keystone: Genus Rubus supports 157 lepidoptera species in eastern North America, making it one of the most ecologically significant shrub genera for caterpillar biodiversity. Host records include large silk moths (Hyalophora cecropia, Automeris io), sphinx moths, and numerous geometrids and noctuids.
S13 157 species; S14 6 host records
🐛 Larval Host: Habrosyne scripta, Scopula limboundata, Pyrrharctia isabella, Synchlora aerata, Hyles lineata, Xanthotype sospeta, Acronicta funeralis, Paonias excaecatus, Euclea delphinii, Lophocampa caryae, Schizura concinna, Automeris io, Hyalophora cecropia, Orgyia leucostigma
S13+S15 14 verified Eastern NA
🐝 Specialist Bee Host: Andrena melanochroa
S17 Rosaceae specialist on Fragaria, Potentilla, Rubus
❄️ Winter Food Source: Rubus fruits are consumed by at least 55 bird species including Ruffed Grouse (71% occurrence), Wild Turkey (42% occurrence), American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Wood Thrush. Dense thicket growth provides critical winter cover for overwintering songbirds and small mammals.
S57 genus-level diet data; S11 Growth Form=Thicket Forming

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Secure in Ontario (S5) and apparently secure in Quebec (S4). Globally ranked G5 with national rank N5 in both Canada and the United States. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. Widespread throughout the Appalachian and Great Lakes regions.
S22 G5, N5 CA/US; S26 not SARA listed
Rarity Ranks: QC S4 – Apparently Secure, ON S5 – Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: Inhabits moist shady sites in deciduous forests, margins of woods, rocky slopes, wooded talus, and stream banks. In Michigan, found at clearings and borders of coniferous or deciduous forests, often associated with Acer rubrum, Betula papyrifera, Populus tremuloides, and Thuja occidentalis. Forms dense thickets via rhizomatous suckering on rocky, often calcareous substrates.
S6 habitat descriptions; S7 Michigan Flora associates; S4 moist shady places

Roles: Fire Retardant, Fortress/Barrier, Pollinator Attractor, Wildlife Habitat
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = High (not definitional)] | Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [MEDIUM]: S68 82 bee associations (threshold=3)] | Wildlife Habitat: S72 Hemenway (tables: 10-1, 7-2, pp. 116, 149)]
Notes: A vigorous suckering shrub useful as tall ground cover for large woodland edges and disturbed slopes. Tolerates juglone from black walnut. Thornless habit and large ornamental flowers make it suitable for accessible planting areas. Pairs well with other forest-edge species in wildlife habitat guilds.
S29 tall ground cover; S3 tolerates juglone; S72 wildlife habitat

Category: Astringent, Analgesic, Dermatological Aid, Gastrointestinal Aid, Gynecological Aid, Diuretic, Antidiarrheal
S28 Cherokee and Iroquois uses; S29 astringent, diuretic, stomachic
Notes: Extensively used by Cherokee and Iroquois peoples. Cherokee used leaf infusions for childbirth pains and root for coughs and toothache. Iroquois used bark and root decoctions for diarrhea, as blood medicine, and for kidney complaints. Leaves are highly astringent and used as wash for sores and boils. Berries used as a diuretic.
S28 23 drug + 2 medicine uses; S29 astringent, stomachic

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: Fruit eaten raw or cooked by Algonquin, Cherokee, Chippewa, and Iroquois peoples. Cherokee used fruits fresh, in pies, preserves, and canned for winter. Chippewa dried fruits for winter use. Fruits are somewhat tart and dry, typically cooked into pies, jellies, and preserves rather than eaten fresh.
S28 13 food uses; S29 raw or cooked; S6 dry and insipid