Rubus kennedyanus is a rare North American species of brambles in the rose family. It is found in eastern Canada (Québec and Newfoundland) and in the north-central United States (Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin).Biota of North America Program 2014 state-level distribution map
Rubus kennedyanus is a bristly shrub. Leaves are compound with 3 or 5 egg-shaped leaflets, each leaflet with a distinctive long, narrow tip at the end. Flowers are in small groups of 1–3.Fernald, Merritt Lyndon 1931. Rhodora 33(394): 208 description in Latin, commentary in EnglishFernald, Merritt Lyndon 1931. Rhodora 33(394): plate 216 photo of herbarium specimen of Rubus kennedyanus
The genetics of Rubus is extremely complex, so that it is difficult to decide on which groups should be recognized as species. There are many rare species with limited ranges such as this. Further study is suggested to clarify the taxonomy.Flora of North America, Rubus Linnaeus, 1754. Bramble
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