Description

Wineberry is a perennial shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) with long arching stems (canes) up to 9 feet in length. Upright stems have red gland tipped hairs and small spines. Leaves are alternate, palmately compound, with 3 heart-shaped serrated leaflets. Small greenish flowers with white petals and reddish hairs occur in late spring to early summer. The very edible raspberry-like fruit has bright red to orange-red color, multiple drupes, and ripens in mid summer. It reproduces by seeds, and through vegetative means including root buds and the sprouting of new plants from where canes touch the soil.

Habitat

It prefers moist conditions and full sun to partial shade. It grows in forests, fields, streams and wetland edge habitats, open woods, savannas and prairie habitats. Many species of birds and mammals use the brambles for nesting and shelter.

History and Introduction

The species was first introduced to North America in 1890 as an ornamental plant and for its potential in breeding hybrid raspberries. It has subsequently escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in parts of Europe and North America.

Threats

Wineberry is a vigorous grower and can form dense thickets covering large areas, displacing many native plants in the process. It invades moist, open areas such as fields, roadsides, forest margins, open forests, and prairies.

Dispersal Methods

It reproduces by seed (which are readily dispersed by animals) and root nodes. New plants can grow from the canes touching the ground.

Control

Mechanical

Removal of plants by hand pulling or use a 4-prong spading fork when the soil is moist. Branches with berries should be bagged but the remaining plant material can be left to compost. Sites can be burned or mowed several years in a row. Mowing several times a year will reduce vigor.

Chemical

It can be effectively controlled using any of several readily available general use herbicides such as glyphosatea widely used herbicide that can kill certain weeds and grasses, it works by blocking an enzyme essential for plant growth, triclopyrherbicide used to control both broadleaf and woody plants , or metsulfuron-methyl (both are broadleaf specific). A cut stump application of glyphosate or triclopyr in the fall can be effective. Follow label and state requirements.