Rubus Calycinoides Creeping Raspberry

The sandpaper textured green leaves of Rubus calycinoides are crinkled and lobed and turn a beautiful burgundy color in winter. Commonly called Creeping Raspberry, it bears yellow to salmon colored berries that are attractive to birds. The slightly sweet fruits are edible, but are often gone before they are noticed by gardeners.

Also known as Emerald Carpet, Rubus calycinoides is a vigorous but controllable evergreen ground cover with long trailing stems that will root along the ground. It can blanket rough ground, large rocks or other unattractive features providing a soft-looking camouflage. However, the leaves are somewhat prickly and usually unattractive to deer, rabbits and other browsers.

Rubus calycinoides prefers light shade and moist, well drained soil. It tolerates sun with sufficient moisture and also withstands clay, drought and coastal conditions.