Rubus thibetanus grows 2–3 m tall, with reddish-brown, cylindric branchlets, and sparse prickles. Leaves are pinnately compound, triangular over all, appearing rather fern-like. Flowers are white, emerging in June. In August it bears its fruit, which are globular, purplish-black or dark red inedible aggregate fruits ("berries"), 8–10 mm in diameter.
