WSU Clark County Extension
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Himalayan Blackberry

Scientific name: Rubus discolor
Taxonomy
Family:Rosaceae
Type:Invasive plants
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:10 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:June to August
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Himalayan blackberry is an introduced noxious weed, originally from Europe, through the work of the famous plant breeder Luther Burbank. It has now spread to be come one the worst weeds all along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia into southern California.

  Morphology:
As a perennial this plant produces very vigorous thorny stems (over 10’) that can form dense, impenetrable thickets. The arching stems will root where branch nodes contact the soil. The stems bear compound leaflets of 3-5 leaves. Leaflets are toothed, oval, smooth green above and covered with white hairs beneath.

Flowers have 5 petals, and are white to light pink. Flowers first appear in June, but can continue into August. Bloom gives rise to ¾” wide, black glossy, aggregate berries, which ripen in late August. Berries are consumed by wildlife and humans.

  Adaptation:
Himalayan blackberry can be found in a variety of areas. It lives in many different types of sites. It will grow in open weedy sites and is also common in woodlands. It is often seen growing along roadsides and railroad tracks. It will grow on a variety of disturbed and natural soil types. It is capable of growing on infertile barren soils. It does require adequate moisture, but can handle flooding. This species is capable of sending out runners to promote further growth. It is also has extensive regeneration capabilities, even if pruned to the ground line. Along sides streams blackberries can out-compete with native trees. As the trees die off the potential for stream erosion is greatly increased.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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