Rubus leucodermis

Rubus leucodermis is a western North American native known as whitebark or blackcap raspberry. As its species name denotes, its canes and stems are whitish in colour and are armed with flattened, hooked prickles. The green leaves also have white undersides. Flowers are borne in clusters with white to pink petals in spring. The summer fruits that follow have the typical look and taste of a raspberry but they are dark purplish black. First Nations consumed the berries fresh or dried and also used the fruit to make purple dye. They can be eaten fresh or used to make jams and pies. A tea can be made from the leaves which are high in vitamin C. Young shoots can be peeled, eaten row or cooked like asparagus. All parts of the plant attract both large and small mammals, birds and native bees for food and cover. Plants are a larval host for many butterfly and moth species. Photo: Wikipedia.