Himalayan blackberry

Common Name(s)

Armenian blackberry

Scientific Name

Rubus armeniacus

Family

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Reasons for concern

Himalayan blackberry grows quickly and outcompetes native species, especially in fragile riparian environments. Their large thickets hinder wildlife movement. Himalayan blackberry also produces large amounts of dry litter that fuel dangerous fires.

Classification

Non-native

Botanical description

Woody, prickly shrub with dark green serrated leaves and black fruits

Leaves

Dark green oval leaves with serrated borders, 1-5 inches long, can be found in groups of 3, 5, or 1 per smaller branch, whitish coloring on the back sides

Stem(s)

Reddish-brown ribbed stems up to 15 feet tall before arching over to form trailing vines up to 40 feet long, have claw like thorns with a thick base and curved tip

Flowers

White or pinkish, 5-petaled flowers with broad, 1 inch long petals

Fruit

Groups of small spheres that grow in clusters like blackberries, new fruits are red and hard, but ripe fruits are soft and black with a shiny appearance

Roots

Large, deep, woody root balls and rhizomes

Native to

Western Europe

Where it grows

Moist, well draining soils, riparian environments, disturbed areas like roadsides, fields, and residential areas

Lifecycle

Perennial

Reproduction

Vegetatively from rhizomes and root crown, from seeds

Weedy Characteristics

Seeds are easily spread by wildlife. Their root systems are very deep and difficult to remove fully. Himalayan blackberry can regrow and germinate after fires.

Look-alike Plants

Arizona Dewberry (Rubus arizonensis) can be distinguished by its lower stature to the ground, lighter colored leaves, and no white underside. Its leaves are in groupings of 3.

Control Strategies

Remove the above ground portion of the plant to make removal of the roots and rhizomes easier. Glyphosate can be used. With either chemical or manual removal, repeated treatment is necessary.

Gallery

References