Woolly Blackberry (Rubus tomentosus Borkh.)

POWO considers this name to be a synonym of black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis). This is based on the original source Rubus tomentosus Borkh 1794 which defines this name as referring to the same type specimen as Rubus occidentalis L. However, most authorities seem to use the name Rubus tomentosus Borkh., in error, to refer to a different taxon, which is probably best described as Rubus aetnicus Cupani ex Weston, but could also be referred to as Rubus tomentosus Willd. which POWO considers as a synonym of R. aetnicus Cupani ex Weston. We have not yet resolved the source of this error, but it is likely that most uses of the name Rubus tomentosus Borkh., including those by USDA, BONAP, and any sources derived from them, are incorrect.