Species of Rubus in the section Setosi are characterized by their normally erect or arching habit, and the absence of heavy, broad-based prickles. The primocane armature consists of bristles or slender prickles, or a combination of them, frequently interspersed with gland-tipped hairs. Under certain conditions, the normally erect-arching canes of some species will elongate and root at the tips, sometimes after trailing for a short distance. The inflorescences are racemiform or cymiform, occasionally somewhat branched. The pedicels are frequently provided with spicules, and are usually, though not always, glandular. The fruits are mostly small, large-seeded, and of inferior flavor.