How to Identify Red Raspberry Bushes and Leaves

Look at the raspberry canes in winter. The canes may be brown or brownish-red with peeling bark or gray areas. They may arch slightly but will not ramble along the ground the way some blackberry varieties do. The canes have thorns that are less than 1/8-inch in length.

Watch for leaves in the spring. A few small leaves may emerge from the ground initially, followed by leaves on the canes. As the weather warms, new canes will emerge. The leaves are bright green, serrated and may be tear-shaped or lobed. They have a coarse, crinkly texture and well-defined veins.

Watch the plant as summer progresses. Red and yellow raspberry plants produce new canes throughout the growing season and may spread, quickly filling in the planting area. Black and purple raspberries produce new canes from the crown only so the plants do not spread.

Inspect developing flowers. Red raspberry plants may produce a crop in the summer, one in the fall or both, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The flowers are small and white, each with a yellow center. Following pollination, small green raspberries form. As the summer progresses, the raspberries become ripe, turning either red or yellow, depending on the type.