Black Cap Raspberry

Black Cap Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)

Appearance:

Fruit: Small to medium, black when fully ripe, hollow core (like most raspberries).

Canes: Erect or arching, often with small thorns.

Leaves: Compound, usually with 3–5 leaflets, serrated edges.

Growth habit:

Biennial canes: First-year canes are “primocanes” (vegetative), second-year canes are “floricanes” (flowering/fruiting).

Height: Typically 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) in a garden, can spread with suckers.

Fruit timing:

Summer-bearing: Fruits in mid- to late summer on second-year canes.

Some varieties have primocane-fruiting types that can also fruit on first-year canes in autumn.

Climate and soil:

Prefers full sun, well-drained soil.

Hardy in temperate regions, tolerates cold better than some other raspberries.

Uses:

Fresh eating, jams, jellies, desserts.

High in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Maintenance:

Prune floricanes after fruiting.

Mulch and water regularly.