Scientific Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Oreobatus deliciosus, Rubus exrubicundus
Other common names
thimbleberry
Plant type
Shrubs
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Native
Similar species
Rubus parviflorus
Erect stems. R. neomexicanus has smaller leaves and a larger overall growth habit. Simple leaves, flowers mostly solitary or in 2's with hairy styles and no spines distinguishes this species from other Rubus.
Distinct as 1 of 2 unarmed species of Rubus in Arizona, distinguished from the other species R. parviflorus by having hairy styles, drupelets (fruit segments) not having a hairy cushion and much smaller leaves.
Height
5 to 9 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Forested; prefers a moderate or well-balanced supply of moisture; mountain slopes and canyons.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
9000
Leaves
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Palmate
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
Top and bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Leaves are 3 to 5 lobed and up to 3 inches wide, fine hairs above and velvety beneath.
Flowers
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
3-inch wide flowers with 5 showy petals and bright yellow stamens, flower parts in 5, including petals, sepals and stamens, flowers on short terminal branches or in leaf axils.
Flower clusters
None
Fruit
Fruit color
Red
Fruit type
Berry-like
Small, 1/2 inch wide and somewhat spherical, loosely connected, red, thin; fleshy fruits dry quickly.