Blackcap

Blackcap raspberry (western raspberry) is a deciduous to semi-deciduous shrub-vine reaching 6 feet, native from southern Alaska south through Washington, Oregon, and California to Utah and Montana. You will recognize the plant by its distinctive stems: young canes are round and armed with curved spines, and older stems develop a striking light bluish-gray waxy coating over red bark.

Blackcap raspberry prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil; provide occasional water during establishment and in dry years. The plant spreads modestly via rhizomes and is much less aggressive than Himalayan blackberry. The sweet black raspberries ripen in mid to late summer and are highly valued for eating fresh or in preserves.