Rubus armeniacus
Description
- Stiff, 5-angled stems can grow 3m tall and 12m long
- Produce green, large, toothed leaves that are generally grouped in fives for first year stems and threes for older stems
- Berries are black, shiny, hairless and edible
- Flowers are small and white or pinkish with five petals and are arranged in clusters
Consequences of invasion
- Competes with native shrubs by blotting out the sun
- Create dense thorny thickets that impede the movement of wildlife (and humans)
- Reduce visibility along road ways and take over stream channels and banks and roadside ditches
How is it introduced? How does it spread?
- Deliberate planting by humans for berry harvest
- Root and stem fragment start a new plant
- Feces of animals that eat black berries spread seeds
Integrated Pest Management Options
- Be PlantWise! Choose plants that are native to the local area by Growing Me Instead!
- Watch for plant parts clinging to your clothing
- Avoid having bare soil or disturbed ground on your property
- Mow continuously throughout the year or when the plant is beginning to flower
- Tillage or cutting combined with mowing
More information available:
- Invasive Species Council of BC Factsheet
- Best Management Practices for Himalayan Blackberry
- Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council
- Coastal Invasive Species Committee: www.coastalisc.com