Rubus phoenicolasius – Wineberries

Wineberries can be identified by their purplish-red stems with hairy bristles and bright orangish-red berries. Wineberry leaves are rounder than raspberry leaves. The immature fruits are covered by a reddish hairy calyx which opens when the berry is almost ripe. Wineberries start to ripen in Connecticut in mid-July. 

Wineberries can be found at the edges of fields in partial to full sun in the eastern United States.

Wineberries are sweeter and have a higher water content than raspberries. They have a short shelf life but freeze well.

Wineberries have similar health benefits to raspberries. They are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Wineberries have been used medicinally for weight loss, to improve skin health, as an anti-inflammatory, and to prevent cancer.

 

Wineberries have no toxic look-a-likes.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.