Sprengel’s bramble (Rubus sprengelii, Flora 2: 18 (1819))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Weihe

Bibliography: Flora 2: 18 (1819)

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rubus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

Sprengel’s bramble, known scientifically as Rubus sprengelii, is a vibrant species belonging to the Rosaceae family, noted for its diverse and economically significant members. Named and classified by the botanist Weihe, its formal description appeared in the publication Flora in 1819.

This species is indigenous to Europe, where it thrives in a variety of environments, from forest edges to open fields. Characteristic of the bramble family, Sprengel’s bramble is a deciduous shrub that exhibits the common bramble features such as thorny, arching stems and compound leaves. The foliage consists of multiple serrated leaflets, typically with a soft, hairy texture.

During its blooming season, Sprengel’s bramble produces clusters of delicate flowers. These blossoms are often white or pale pink with five petals, providing a notable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As a flowering plant of the Rosaceae family, its floral arrangement and reproductive structures are quite similar to those of other brambles and roses, which could contribute to its potential as an ornamental plant.

The fruit of Rubus sprengelii, like that of other bramble species, is an aggregate of drupelets, commonly referred to as a berry. These berries are a valuable food source for wildlife and can sometimes be consumed by humans, although they might not be as commercially significant as other Rubus species like the raspberry or blackberry.

Ecologically, Sprengel’s bramble plays a significant role. It provides sustenance and shelter for various fauna, supporting biodiversity within its native habitats. Moreover, its dense thickets can act as natural barriers, contributing to soil stabilization and preventing erosion.

In summary, Sprengel’s bramble is a noteworthy species within the Rosaceae family, not only for its botanical characteristics but also for its environmental contributions. First documented in the early 19th century, it continues to be a relevant and intriguing subject of study among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: sprengel’s bramble
Deu: sprengel-brombeere, sprengels brombeere
Dan: sprengels brombær
Nob: krypbjørnebær
Nno: krypbjørnebær
Swe: sprengelsbjörnbär
Nld: rode grondbraam
En: Sprengel’s Bramble
Da: Sprengels brombær
Nl: Rode grondbraam
Fi: Vuohenvatukka
Fr: Ronce de Sprengel
De: Sprengel-Brombeere, Sprengels Brombeere
Nb: Krypbjørnebær
Nn: Krypbjørnebær
Sv: Sprengelsbjörnbär

Synonyms

• Rubus fruticosus var. sprengelii ((Weihe) Saut.)
• Rubus nemorosus var. sprengelii ((Weihe) Roth)
• Rubus pubescens sprengelii ((Weihe) Karsch)
• Rubus fruticosus subsp. sprengelii ((Weihe) Syme)
• Rubus caesius var. sprengelii ((Weihe) Ficinus)
• Rubus vulgaris var. sprengelii ((Weihe) Wirtg.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Sweden (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − David MERCIER (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2990014)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:740482-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rubus sprengelii Weihe)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4