Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus
Elm leaf bramble
(c) Joan Simon, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Not Native
Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus (Elm leaf bramble) is a non-native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Key features: no prickles, finely double-toothed leaves.
Elm leaf bramble is a naturalized shrub found in southern northwestern California, southern Sacramento Valley, central western California, and northern southwestern California in moist, disturbed areas at elevations below 1,050 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to pink flowers clustered in terminal inflorescences. Growing with arching canes that can reach several meters long, it forms dense thicket-like colonies. Its leaves are compound, typically with three to five broadly ovate leaflets that are dark green and slightly serrated along the edges. The plant lacks significant prickles, distinguishing it from many other bramble species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 10 species. Key features: no prickles, finely double-toothed leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Moist, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 1050 m
Outside California: native to Europe
Bloom period
Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus blooms May-Jul.
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 ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus native to California?
No. Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus bloom?
Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus belong to?
Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus is in the Rosaceae family, genus Rubus.
What habitat does Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus grow in?
Rubus ulmifolius var. anoplothyrsus grows in Uncommon. Moist, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius — Elmleaf blackberry
- Rubus ursinus — California blackberry
- Rubus armeniacus — Himalayan blackberry
- Rubus glaucifolius — Waxleaf raspberry
- Rubus glaucifolius var. ganderi — Cuyamaca raspberry
- Rubus laciniatus — Cutleaf blackberry
- Sanguisorba officinalis — Great burnet
- Sanguisorba sp.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.