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).

Charactertistics of Raspberries

A. Terete canes.
B. With leaf contrasts.
C. Receptacle persistent on twig.
D. Pinnately compound or trifolate.