European Blackberry
Rubus vestitus
Plant Description
Deciduous to partly evergreen vine/shrub. Palmate leaves with 3-5 leaflets with short hairs on top surface and white-gray felting on bottom surface.
Plant Details
| Life Forms | |
|---|---|
| Habitats | |
| ODA Listing | |
| Soil and Moisture Conditions | |
| Suggested Actions | |
| Shade Preference | |
| Mature Height | 6.5' high, canes up to 33' long |
| Distribution | Non-native blackberries have become a significant problem on the west side of the Cascades where they are much more aggressive than on the east side. They can be found in a myriad of habitats such as roadsides, vacant lands, pastures, Forest plantations, creek gullies, river flats, riparian areas, fence lines, and right-of-way corridors. |
| Control | When plants are young, hand pull the stem close to the ground and uproot the root ball. This method is most effective in loose soils or after a rain. For small infestations, dig up root crowns and grub roots. Be sure to monitor the work area for large root fragments which, when left in the ground, can re-sprout. Mowing, including the use of riding mowers and tractor-mounted mowers, can be very effective to control blackberries but may also harm desirable plants. Cut vines several times a year over several years to exhaust the energy reserves. Do not mow where soils are highly susceptible to compaction or erosion, or where soils are very wet. Note: Birds may nest in blackberry patches from early spring through July. Mow large berry thickets during dry periods in the fall or winter to prevent damage to nesting birds. Once the large canes have been cut, follow up by mowing the younger plants in the summer. Plant trees to control blackberry over the long run. Established trees will shade out blackberry and improve habitat for other native species and wildlife. |
| Reproduction and Spread | Invasive blackberry reproduces vegetatively by root and by seeds which are dispersed by birds and other animals eating the fruit.The plants begin flowering in spring with fruit ripening in midsummer to early August. Daughter plants can form where canes touch the ground and begin rooting.Seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years. |
| More Info |
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