About 400 species of small shrubs; generally in the cold-climate regions of the Northern Hemisphere; new canes (stems) normally produced each year; canes live 2 years, flower and fruit during the second year. Leaves are generally compound and canes usually have prickles. Fruit is a multiple of drupes. Note: with the exception of fruit types, the above characteristics do not pertain to R. odoratus (Puple-Flowering Raspberry).

Purple Flowering Raspberry

A. Leaf simple (maple-like)
B. In autumn, leaves break off above leaf bases; portion of petiole remains on twig.
C. Stems perennial; older bark papery
D. Large, showy, rose-purple flower