FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Rubus saxatilis, Stone Bramble, Hrútaber

Rubus saxatilis; the stone bramble is the common bramble species on Iceland. It grows about anywhere but for the rugged highland areas. Typically it grows on nutrient rich soils, especially as an undergrow species in woodlands but it is also common in heather vegetations. Unlike most other brambles this species has flowers on the first-year shoots (the shoots are annually only). Other (common European) brambles have flowers on the second-year shoots. It has white flowers in summer and red berries in late summer/autumn.
It is a member of the Rose family: Rosaceae. The Icelandic name of this species is Hrútaber.