Rubus arcticus aka Arctic Bramble

Rubus arcticus, or arctic raspberry, belongs to the rose family. It grows across cold northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its range reaches the northwestern United States and northern Japan. It occurs in subarctic areas and near the mountain treeline. Wild plants grow on damp peat and gravel. Some sites have lime-rich soils. Nagoonberry is another name used in British Columbia.

This small, thornless plant forms spreading clumps and sheds its leaves. It can grow as a perennial or low subshrub. RHS describes plants about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Its broader garden range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Clumps can spread to 3.3 feet [1 metre] wide. The leaves have three lobes and toothed edges. Plants take two to five years to reach full size.

Pink to rose-purple flowers open during summer. They grow singly or in groups of up to three. Each flower can reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Round fruits follow, turning deep red or dark purple. Each fruit consists of a cluster of small drupes. Fruits reach about 0.03 feet [0.01 metres] across. Their sweet, juicy flesh has a scent like pineapple. British gardens may yield few berries. PFAF suggests that winters there may not be cold enough.

Grow this plant in sun or partial shade. RHS recommends moist soil that is acidic or neutral. Its soil listing includes loam and sand. It accepts both well-drained and poorly drained moist ground. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. PFAF lists USDA zones 2–7. It suits ground cover, banks, slopes, and wildflower meadows. Gardeners can also grow it in beds or containers. A sunny woodland edge is another suitable site. It needs no pruning, and seed offers a means of propagation.

RHS reports few pest problems, though grey mould can occur. Honey fungus is a rarer risk. PFAF does not flag this plant as a weed. The fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Uses include cakes and jam. The flowers are also edible when raw. Fresh or dried leaves can make a tea substitute. The fruit provides a purple to muted blue dye. PFAF records no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. That hazard record does not establish safety for every pet.