Commonly known as a bramble or blackberry bush, this plant is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae). They have 3-5 serrated leaflets per leaf, the canes can be upright or trailing, with thorns or without. Some are cultivated forms while others are wild. Bramble is an excellent wildlife plant, caterpillars of the grizzled skipper and ringlet butterfly use it for food while honeybees, bumblebees and the speckled wood butterfly visit the white or pink flowers for nectar. Birds, small mammals and humans are all very partial to the sweet and tart fruits that follow the flowers. Bramble grows in most soil types, as long as well draining, but can become invasive in the garden if not pruned back to control spread. Always have potential food plants identified locally and know how they are grown before you consider eating them.
Flowers in spring
Full sun
Water regularly during growth and fruit cycles
Prune weak or diseased canes
Plant in late winter from bare-root
Well-draining,humus amended soil
6-15 ft. long
