Cloudberry

Rubus chamaemorus

Physical Characteristics

Rubus chamaemorus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Northern Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Germany and N. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[183, 257]. Sour but delicious, the fruit can be eaten out of hand or stewed, used in preserves, pies etc[183]. Rich in vitamin C[257]. The sweet fruit tastes like baked apples[207]. Flowers - raw. The fresh or dried leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Infertility TB Vitamin C A decoction of the roots has been used as 'woman's medicine'[257]. A decoction of the root and lower stem has been used by barren women to try and become pregnant[257]. The root has been used in the treatment of coughs, fevers and consumption[257].

Known Hazards

None known