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[[Category:Berries]] | [[Category:Berries]] |
Revision as of 16:01, 23 March 2019
Blackberries are the fruit of many Rubus species grouped together as the Rubus fruticosus species aggregateW, sometimes commonly referred to as "brambles" or "canefruit" (including raspberries).
Taxonomy
Varieties
Common names
Etymology
Range
History
Morphology
Behaviour
Deciduous shrub.[1] Growth habit is long and scrambling.[1] It is perennial but the stems are biennial, fruiting on the second year.
In the wild, it "moves" by putting down new roots where its arching shoots touch the ground.[1]
Reproduction
White flowers in Spring.[1] Self fertile (one plant will fruit by itself).[1] Insect pollinated.
Hardiness
Soil Type
Tolerant of most soil types.[1]
Soil pH
Shade Preference
Full sun.[1]
Shade Tolerance
Tolerates fairly deep shade (i.e. no direct sun but some indirect light).[1] Fruiting is reduced in shade.[1]
Aspect
Exposure
Propagation
Hardwood cuttings taken in winter. Tip layering.
Plant potted or bare-rooted new plants in winter.[1]
Maintenance
The plant can stay healthier and more productive if it is allowed to move.[1] Little maintenance needed.[1]
Watering
Pruning
Problems
Harvest
Fruiting occurs from August to October.[1] Fruit ripens over several weeks.[1] In Oklahoma, the berries are picked in the weeks following the July 4th weekend.
When harvesting blackberries, watch out for chiggers (also known as berry bugs, see TrombiculidaeW). These are small mites that can cause rashes and itchiness when they bite.
Preservation
Fresh fruits do not store for long.[1]
Uses
- Fruit is edible raw, or cooked. Can be made into jams, cobblers, pies, etc.
- Fruit can be made into wine (see Blackberry wine recepie: Making fruit, vegetable and flower wines#Berry Wines).
- Bee plant.[1]
- Young shoots (when spines are still soft) can be cooked.[1]
- Leaves can be used to make tea.[1]
- Purple dye from fruit and shoots.[1]
- Basket weaving (spines can be removed by pulling stems through a small hole).[1]