Species PlantsWineberry

Wineberry

Rubus phoenicolasius

CommonPlant
Illustration of Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)

Wineberry is an Asian bramble introduced to North America in the 1890s as a breeding parent for hybrid berries, now naturalized and considered invasive across the eastern United States. Its distinctive red, glandular-hairy canes and sticky calyces that encase the developing fruit make it unmistakable. The bright red, translucent berries are sweet and delicious, widely harvested by foragers. While ecologically problematic as an invasive, it provides abundant fruit for wildlife and humans alike in disturbed habitats.

Habitat
Forest edges, stream banks, roadsides, and disturbed woods across the eastern United States, especially the Mid-Atlantic.
Diet
Berries heavily used by American Robins, Gray Catbirds, and Red Foxes; a prolific fruiter that supports many generalist frugivores.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Wineberry

The best time to see a Wineberry is April–July, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 41,728 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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