Origin

It was introduced to North America in the 1890s as breeding stock for raspberries. It was found invading natural areas by the 1970s, and it is currently recorded in most states east of the Mississippi River and in Alabama (USDA PLANTS Database). 

Habitat

Prefers moist conditions and full sun to partial shade. It grows in forests, fields, streams and wetland edge habitats, and open woods.

Ecological Threat

Wineberry’s growth habits, prolific seed production, and ability to form dense thickets enables this plant  species to outcompete native vegetation and disrupt ecosystem dynamics. It is more aggressive than many of the native raspberry and blackberry species, and has a wider range of tolerance for light, soil
type, and moisture. Its establishment in forest understories as disturbance occurs can lead to its spread even in mature forests. Research conducted by Blossey and Skinner (2001) highlights the ecological impacts of Rubus phoenicolasius in invaded habitats, particularly in forests and riparian areas. The study found that wineberry can alter soil properties, reduce native plant diversity, and disrupt ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling. Furthermore, its ability to spread rapidly through both seed dispersal and vegetative reproduction exacerbates its ecological threat.

In addition to its direct ecological impacts, wineberry invasion can also have indirect consequences for native wildlife. For example, the displacement of native vegetation by dense wineberry thickets can reduce habitat availability and foraging opportunities for native species, potentially leading to declines
in biodiversity.