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. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
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
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data


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
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.