Rubus armeniacus
Description
- Stiff, 5-edged stems can grow 3m tall and 12m long.
- Produce green, large, toothed leaves.
- Leaves are arranged in groups of five on young plants, and groups of three on older plants.
- Berries are black, shiny, and hairless.
- Flowers are small and white or pinkish with five petals and are arranged in clusters.
Introduction and spread
- This plant has been spread in part by deliberate planting by humans for berry harvest
- Root and stem fragment start a new plant
- Feces of animals that eat black berries spreads seeds
Consequences of invasion
- Competes with native shrubs by shading out the sun
- Create dense thorny thickets that impede the movement of wildlife
- Dense thickets can also negatively impact human recreational opportunities like bike trails.
- Reduces visibility along road ways and takes over stream channels and banks and roadside ditches
Status in the CKISS region
- Himalayan blackberry is classified as Contain on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
- While it is considered Established in the Nelson and Creston Invasive Plant Management Areas, it is less prevalent in other parts of the region.
- It is classified as Contain for those parts of the region where it is not widely established.
- In those areas, CKISS is taking action to contain the spread of this plant and prevent it from spreading to new areas.
- To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.
Integrated pest management options
Prevention
- Be PlantWise! Choose plants that are not invasive by Growing Me Instead!
- Watch for plant parts clinging to your clothing
- Avoid having bare soil or disturbed ground on your property
Mechanical treatment
- Himalayan blackberry can be removed by hand pulling small, young plants, and digging older plants.
- Digging must be very thorough as root fragments left in the soil will re-sprout.
- Cutting thickets back may be required first to access the soil where roots are established.
- Cutting alone is not as effective as digging, but could be effective if repeated over many years.
- Note that birds may nest in blackberry thickets, if this is occurring on your property take care to conduct removal activities outside of their nesting period.