Aggressive, thorny shrubs that produce edible berries. Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has blue-green stems, long, arching canes and dark purple berries. Dried blackberry leaves used for tea.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
4 to
10
feet
Spread:
4 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
10
feet
Spread: 4 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
10
feet
Spread: 4 to
10
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Great to grow around free standing trees to alleviate the need to mow under/around specimens and can plant as woodland edge planting.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Berries and flowers are produced on year old canes, for best fruit set, cut out the old canes (stems) after fruiting, or cut half of the vines to the ground every other year for easy clean up. Best fruit production if grown in full sun.
Special Features
Special Usage
Edible
Basic Description
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
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