Rubus lasiococcus
Roughfruit raspberry
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Rubus lasiococcus (Roughfruit raspberry) is a native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by herbaceous growth and lack of thorns.
Roughfruit raspberry is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern North Coast Ranges in moist, open forests at elevations of 1,100 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white flowers 8 to 10 millimeters long with delicate obovate petals. Growing as a low, prostrate plant with slender stems that root at the nodes, it forms delicate ground-covering patches. Its leaves are distinctive, featuring three leaflets that are round to kidney-shaped, with the terminal leaflet generally obovate and having a rounded or acute tip, covered in fine hairs. The fruit develops as a bright red raspberry-type cluster, with individual fruits falling separately or as a loose unit.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 10 species; distinguished by herbaceous growth and lack of thorns
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist, open forest
Elevation: 1100-2000 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, Placer
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Rubus lasiococcus blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Toxicodendron: Rubus has palmate leaves with 3-5 leaflets spreading from one point; poison oak has 3 leaflets arranged along a stem.; vs Ribes: Rubus stems are thorny or bristly canes; currants/gooseberries are unarmed or have sharp spines at nodes only.; vs Rosa: Rubus leaves are palmate (fingers from palm); rose leaves are pinnate (leaflets along a central stem).; vs Acer: Rubus has compound leaves with separate leaflets; maple leaves are single lobed blades.; vs Fragaria: Rubus grows as tall, arching canes; strawberries form low runners with flower stalks rising from base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rubus lasiococcus native to California?
Yes. Rubus lasiococcus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Rubus lasiococcus bloom?
Rubus lasiococcus blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Rubus lasiococcus grow?
Rubus lasiococcus occurs in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, Placer, at elevations of 1100-2000 m.
What plant family does Rubus lasiococcus belong to?
Rubus lasiococcus is in the Rosaceae family, genus Rubus.
What habitat does Rubus lasiococcus grow in?
Rubus lasiococcus grows in Moist, open forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.