Blackberry plants are appreciated by animals as well as humans. SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : The Himalayan blackberry generally flowers … Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Some native (white stems, ground crawlers) some Non-Native (Rubus procerus, the Himalayan Blackberry (PDF), highly invasive).Parts used: leaves, berries, root. People are not so happy when the blackberry plant invades their gardens or covers other plants, which it will do if it gets the chance. Alun. Question: How did the Himalayan blackberry originally come to North America in 1885? Native to western Europe, Himalayan blackberry was introduced into North America in 1885 as a cultivated crop. We have a problem with wild blackberries trying to invade our garden, but not with wild raspberries. Particularly I admire the focusing on the picture of the thorny blackberry stem. Not only does this species propagate from root fragments, stem cuttings, and adventitious buds, but it also sets root and forms daughter plants where its rambling stems touch the ground, resulting in virtual cloning. It's easy to monitor frequently visited areas like gardens and landscaped areas to check for the first appearance of a blackberry plant. Why control Himalayan and evergreen blackberries? In an invasive weed survey of the relatively pristine Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley, Himalayan and evergreen blackberry covered more area than all of the other invasive species combined. Some of these plants are thornless and are less invasive than the Himalayan blackberry. Thank you so much for the kind comment, Martie! The stem of the young plant grows upwards at first, but it soon bends over in a graceful arch to reach the ground. I had no idea they were an invasive species. These are chemicals that aren't essential for keeping us alive but are thought to help prevent disease. Cutting followed by digging up root crowns is much more effective than cutting alone. Voted up and pressing all buttons, except funny. These non-native shrubs pose threats to our oak savannahs, rocky balds and open meadows by overtaking and replacing native shrubs, forbs and grasses. We would just pick them their branch's and have a delicious snack. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) beside a blackberry leaf. An individual Himalayan blackberry plant lives for only two or three years. The prickly thickets prevent some animals from inhabiting the area and block their path to important places, such as water sources. I had never heard about Himalayan Blackberry plants. For more information on noxious weed regulations and definitions, see Noxious weed lists and laws. A strong lopper that can cut through thick stems is an essential tool. CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on August 04, 2012: Interesting hub Alicia. I love to observe nature and learn more about it. Voted up. Some herbicides can help to destroy the plants, but these mustn't be used in areas where people collect blackberries. This situation requires determination and daily effort in order to remove the plants, but it can be done, as I know from experience. But I believe you. A crumble is a baked dish made from fruit topped with a crumbled mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Similarly, in EarthCorps' Seattle Urban Nature’s plant inventory of Seattle’s public forests, Himalayan and evergreen blackberry were found to be the most invasive species in Seattle's forests. At this time of year, it's an attractive plant with fresh green leaves and white to pink flowers. Himalayan blackberry is a Class C noxious weed that is not selected for required control in King County. Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus Focke), a perennial woody shrub native to western Europe, reproduces by seed and vegetatively. Himalayan blackberry is abundant along rivers and wetland edges in King County, often blocking access to these areas. Since the blackberry is common where I live and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future, I continue to photograph its spring and summer beauty and to pick its berries. With five to seven leaves resembling outstretched fingers on the palm of a hand, the blackberry Rubus armeniacus grows from curved, blood-red stalks resembling veins.Sonoma County horticulturalist Luther Burbank acquired the seeds in 1885 from a trader in India, and dubbed it the “Himalaya” blackberry, though it was actually native to Armenia and Northern Iran. Himalayan blackberry spreads over other plants or buildings and can form dense, thorny thickets. This species spreads aggressively and has severe negative impacts to native plants, wildlife and livestock. The prickly and sprawling blackberry bush is sometimes known as a bramble. Removal of top growth by mowing, cutting or grazing with goats will eventually kill blackberry if done regularly and over several years. To do so, I need to include one photo to represent the hub , so I wonder if this is OK with you? Some people would hate the plants to disappear because they love the berries or the honey made from the berries. Fifty years before the Himalayan blackberry touched American soil, the cutleaf evergreen blackberry, Rubus laciniatus, arrived from Europe.