Purple Flowering Raspberry - Rubus odoratus

It is strictly native farther east but has been found in Illinois since the 1870s.

Features: Also called thimbleberry, it has clusters of purple flowers with maple-shaped leaves. No thorns, but bristly hairs near the blossom clusters. Edible fruit, though not as large and sweet as red raspberries.

Light: Full to half day sun

Soil: Good garden soil

Height: 3-6 feet

Blooms: June and sporadically throughout summer

See more information and photos at: Morton Arboretum and USDA Plant Database