Rubus rosaefolius Sm., Rosaceae, is a shrub with compound leaves, recurvate prickles, white flowers and aggregate fruit, popularly known as sylvan strawberry. The present research concerns its botany (macroscopic and microscopic studies), phytochemistry and antimicrobial properties. The presence of antraquinones, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins on stem, root and leaves, were confirmed by specific phytochemical tests. Antimicrobial activity of aqueous and hydroalchoolic fractions were tested against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The hydroalchoolic fraction revealed antimicrobial activity against all species tested and the aqueous fraction inhibited the growth of S. aureus and C. albicans.