Raspberry
Rubus idaeus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rubus idaeus (Red Raspberry) is a native deciduous shrub found across most US states that blooms white flowers from May through July and produces edible red berries.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Raspberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red raspberry is a fruit-producing shrub that grows 2-6 feet tall with arching canes and compound leaves. It produces white flowers in late spring through summer followed by edible red berries. The plant spreads by underground runners and can form colonies over time.
Growing Raspberry
Grow Raspberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Raspberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively by runners
- Canes can look messy and unstructured
- Thorny stems may be considered unsafe
Wildlife value
Flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming period from May through July. Birds and small mammals enjoy the nutritious berries in summer.
Common questions
- When does Rubus idaeus bloom?
- Red Raspberry blooms from May through July, producing small white flowers that attract bees and beetles.
- What pollinators visit Rubus idaeus?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Red Raspberry flowers, helping ensure fruit production.
- Where is Rubus idaeus native in the United States?
- Red Raspberry is native to most US states including the Northeast, Midwest, Mountain West, and parts of the Southwest, from Maine to California and Arizona to Washington.
- What growing conditions does Rubus idaeus prefer?
- Red Raspberry grows well in part shade to full sun conditions with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate a range of light and water conditions.
- Is Raspberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Raspberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Raspberry HOA-friendly?
- Raspberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Raspberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz