Description:
Originating in Europe, Blackberry is a semi-deciduous woody shrub with
scrambling stems generally 2 to 3m high. The arching stems are green to reddish
purple and covered in prickles.
The dark green leaves are in groups of 3 to 5. They are hairy and prickly,
and pale underneath. Leaves are often shed in winter.
Flowers are 5-petalled, white or pink to 3cm wide. Flowering is spring to
summer.
Bunches of succulent segmented berries 1-3cm across, ripening from green through
red to black in late summer
Seeds are pitted to 3mm long
Dispersal:
Fruit is eaten by birds and other animals, especially foxes. Blackberry is also
spread by re-rooting stems and dumping.
Impact on Bushland:
Blackberry is one of the worst weeds of moist temperate Australia. Highly invasive,
competes aggressively, rapidly forms thickets with a dense canopy of shade, excludes
and replaces native vegetation. Threatens sensitive and fragile ecosystems.
Control:
| Manual: |
Wear protective gloves and clothing.
|
| |
Cut and paint in spring
to summer |
| |
Cut into the crown if possible |
| Chemical: |
Please contact your local control authority for
advice on chemical control. |
Similar Species:
Native Rubus species are less vigorous and aggressive. They do not form
extensive thickets, and are found in sheltered moist areas. They also have lighter
green leaves and finer thorns.
Suggested Alternatives:
Native Rubus species (Rubus parvifolius, Rubus hillii).
Loganberry and Boysenberry (Rubus hybrids), but runners need to be controlled.
References:
Weeds of Blue Mountains Bushland, Blue Mountains City Council and NPWS
Blue Mountains
Attack of the Killer Weeds, Coastcare
WEEDeck, Sainty and Associates
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