LEAF Network Linking Edible Arizona Forests

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blackberry

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IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

blackberry

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Rubus fruticosus L.

Family

Rosaceae

Spanish Name

mora, zarsamora

Species Description

Plants are perennial with roots and crowns persisting year to year. Above-ground canes are biennial. They produce vegetative canes the first year, fruit the second year, and then die to the ground. There are erect, semi-erect and trailing canes. There are both crown-forming and rhizome-forming types. Also thorned and thornless types.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Natural Range

Blackberries are native to Asia, Europe, North and South America. Wild species occur throughout the northern hemisphere and mountainous regions of South America. Domestication occurred recently during breeding programs in the late 1800s in Europe and N. America.

Natural Habitat

Prefer cool, moist habitat. Early colonizer of disturbed areas.

Cultural-Historic Notes

Blackberries have played an integral role in human diets for thousands of years.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Vine

Tree or Understory

Understory

Growth Rate

Fast

Canopy Diameter

Canes grow in unruly, bramble style, train to fit space.

Tree Height

Canes grow quite long, usually prune to 4-6 feet tall.

Lifespan

15-20 years

Chill Hours

100-500 hours

Freeze Tolerance

Young vines hardy to 0 degrees F, older plants to -10 degrees F.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Full sun to part shade. More sun means better fruit production, but berries can be sunburned without sufficient shade.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

HIGH MOUNTAIN: Flagstaff - USDA Zone 6b (-5ºF-0ºF)
HIGH PLATEAU, MOUNTAIN: Prescott, Tuba City, Winslow, Page - USDA Zones 7a-7b (0ºF-10ºF)
HIGH DESERT: Sierra Vista, Kingman, Globe, Wilcox - USDA Zones 8a-8b (10-20ºF)
MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

Medium: 20-35 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Blackberries should receive 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season, or 2-4 inches twice a month.

CARE

Pollination

Most cultivars of blackberries are self-fruitful and do not require pollinators.

Soils

Blackberries suited to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay loams, with good drainage and pH of 5-7. Depth is not important since plants develop shallow root systems, although blackberries are more deeply rooted than some cane types and therefore drought tolerant.

Propagation

Blackberries are typically propagated from cuttings. Crown-forming blackberries propagate from softwood and hardwood cuttings and from shoot-tip layering. Rhizome-forming blackberries are easily propagated through rhizome and root cuttings.

Pest & Disease Control

Common disease problems include anthracnose, cane blight, cane and leaf rust, crown gall and grey mold on fruits.

Pruning Notes

Canes die after fruiting, and old, dead canes are pruned out every year. Canes are usually tipped at 3-4 feet to encourage branching and fruit production. Most trained to hedgerows to facilitate care and harvest.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Blackberries are consumed fresh, frozen, or processed into juice, jams, jellies, dairy, bakery and cereal products. Berries are mature when they have completely developed a dark black color, and are easily detached from the plant. Extremely perishable, keep refrigerated.

Harvest Months

July
August
September

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.