The biology of Canadian weeds. 105. Rubus strigosus Michx., Rubus parviflorus Nutt., and Rubus spectabilis Pursh.

Abstract

Wild raspberry (Rubus strigosus Michx.), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus Nutt.), and salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis Pursh) are native perennial deciduous shrubs that rapidly invade disturbed areas. Through prolific vegetative growth, these shrubs form dense, multilayered, and monospecific stands and form extensive clonal colonies. They create habitat and supply food sources for a variety of forest fauna and are important in nutrient cycling and reducing soil erosion. These Rubus shrubs may effectively outcompete economically valuable regenerating conifers. A review of chemical, manual, and biological control methods is presented. Reproductive biology, growth and development, and population dynamics are discussed in detail. Key words:Rubus strigosus, Rubus idaeus, Rubus parviflorus, Rubus spectabilis, wild red raspberry, thimbleberry, salmonberry, forest weed biology, competition, distribution