Do you like blackberries in the Pacific Northwest?
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you’re pretty much required to like blackberries. They’re everywhere in late summer (or, this hot year, earlier). The crazily tangled, dense vines grow at a mad pace on any abandoned patch of land, also making concerted efforts to take over yards, parks, even buildings.
Where do blackberries grow in the US?
Where to Find Them: These berries can be found in backyards and along roadsides across the country. Plants grows well in the sun and large patches are known as brambles. Highly invasive Himalayan and evergreen blackberry varieties are non-native European species that are highly invasive and difficult to control.
Are Himalayan blackberries invasive in the Pacific Northwest?
In the Pacific Northwest, Himalayan blackberries are invasive and have been declared a noxious weed. They grow in very large, nearly impenetrable thickets that choke out native plant species. They are common in rural areas and along many roads, even in urban areas. Although illegal to cultivate,...
What is the origin of the Pacific Northwest Berry?
Origins: This berry is known all over the world, but is very popular in the Pacific Northwest. The berry and plant are commonly used by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest as a food and medicinal plant. Color and shape: Black when mature; red and green when they are still growing. They are bumpy in shape (Beware of thorns on the plant).
Environment and Culture
Harvest, Care, and Preparation
Are blackberry bushes native to Washington?
Trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus) is a native species of blackberry in Washington that is smaller, generally grows along the ground, has narrow prickly stems instead of stout, start-shaped or ridged canes, and has only three narrower leaflets instead of five rounded leaflets like Himalayan blackberry.
When were blackberries introduced to the Pacific Northwest?
“So in 1885, he was the person that introduced the United States to the Himalayan blackberry, but I like to say that it's the birds that moved it around so much.”
Are blackberries invasive to Washington state?
Himalayan blackberry is a Class C Noxious Weed: Non-native plants that are already widespread in Washington State. Counties can choose to enforce control, or they can educate residents about controlling these noxious weeds.
Are blackberries indigenous to North America?
California's native blackberry, Rubus ursinus, also known as Pacific blackberry, has been overtaken rapidly by the Himalayan blackberry, Rubus armeniacus. Despite its name, this introduced shrub is from western Europe and has made itself at home here; most of the blackberry encountered in Shasta County is non-native.
Are blackberries invasive species?
Himalayan blackberry was introduced into the U.S. in the late 1800s for cultivation and has since naturalized and spread out beyond planted areas. Oregon lists Himalayan blackberry as a noxious weed, and the California Invasive Plant Council rates this species as highly invasive.
How did blackberries get to Oregon?
While the true story may be lost to history, we do know that the European native 'Evergreen' blackberry was brought to the Oregon Territory in the mid 1800s either from the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) to be grown at Fort Vancouver, or it was brought by immigrant settlers on the Oregon Trail.
Are blackberry bushes considered noxious weeds?
Because of their invasiveness and impacts on natural and agricultural resources, both species of blackberry are Class C Noxious Weeds in Washington.
Where do blackberries grow in Washington?
If you've never heard of the native trailing blackberry, you're not alone. Some say our islands are the best spots to find them. Others say the trailing blackberry likes to grow in places that have been recently logged or burned. People say to look near Black Diamond, or in Whatcom County, or along the coast.
Are blackberries noxious weeds?
The weed thrives in a wide range of habitats, invading both grazing lands and natural ecosystems. Blackberry fruit and seeds are spread by birds and foxes and in water ways such as creeks. Blackberry has been declared a noxious weed in NSW and is also listed as a Weed of National Significance.
What states are blackberries native to?
Although raspberries and blackberries are grown in many states, three states — Oregon, Washington, and California — account for most of U.S. production for both fresh market wholesale and processing, though commercial blackberry production much increasing in the Southeast and other regions over the last 10 years.
Where did blackberries originally come from?
The blackberry is known since the old times. It is thought tube native to Europe and Asia, although there exist multiple species from other origins. The common species, Rubusulmifolius, comes from the west and center of Europe and North Africa. It was well-known by the Greeks and the Romans.
How did blackberries get to the United States?
America's own beloved plant maestro Luther Burbank introduced it in America in 1885, likely with no suspicion of how aggressively it would take root all up and down the West Coast.
Where are blackberries native to?
Blackberries are endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Whether invasive, introduced varieties that choke out native plants or cultivated blackberries, the plants do exceptionally well in the cool, Pacific Northwest climate.
Where do Cherokee blackberries grow?
Cherokee blackberries are an erect, bushy cultivar that grows well in the Pacific Northwest. A vigorous, very thorny bush, the Cherokee produces medium-size blackberries with a thick skin. 00:00. 00:03 12:45. GO LIVE.
What is a marionberry?
Marionberries are a form of trailing blackberry that grows well in the Pacific Northwest. Marionberry bushes are thorny and very vigorous growers in the high rain climate of the Pacific Northwest. Marionberries are large, bright black, and very firm. The fruit is very flavorful. Marionberry canes are fewer canes that are longer than many other blackberry varieties. Not highly invasive, marionberry bushes are good choices for home cultivation. Marionberries are a trailing black berry. This means that their canes tend to droop down toward the ground with less stiffness and strength than upright blackberries. Marion berries are suitable for trellising. Trailing blackberries do best with a two-wire trellis.
How big do Himalayan blackberries grow?
It thrives in areas that get over 29 inches of rain per year and can grow well up to 6,000 feet. Individual Himalayan blackberry canes can reach nearly 10 feet. In the Pacific Northwest, Himalayan blackberries are invasive and have been declared a noxious weed. They grow in very large, nearly impenetrable thickets that choke out native plant ...
Can you grow marionberry bushes on a trellis?
Marionberries are a form of trailing blackberry that grows well in the Pacific Northwest. Not highly invasive, marionberry bushes are good choices for home cultivation.
Is marionberry invasive?
Marionberry canes are fewer canes that are longer than many other blackberry varieties. Not highly invasive, marionberry bushes are good choices for home cultivation. Marionberries are a trailing blackberry.
Do blackberries need sun?
Blackberries need soil that drains well and don't tolerate constantly wet soils. Canes grow for a year, and produce fruit the second year. After fruiting, the canes die and are replaced by new growth. Blackberries are endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Blackberries do best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
What is the best blackberry to grow in a garden?
The Pacific Blackberry is an excellent choice for the native, ornamental garden. The flowers are small and delicate but very fragrant. Their leaves come in threes, serrated and dark green with delicate rose like single flowers. The new berries are a scarlet red that ripen to black. The Pacific Blackberry is an excellent understory plant and will grow well with many of the other species in our catalogue. Consider growing it under taller shrubs like the Serviceberry or underneath a tree like the Pacific Crab Apple.
How to harvest blackberries?
Harvest the berries one at a time as they ripen from late summer through the fall. The plants are not difficult to manage but require water in the summer to get the best berries. The Pacific Blackberry is dioecious and only the female plants bear fruit. Their spikes are considerably smaller and softer than the large invasive blackberries, but they are still prickly so gloves are recommended when working with this plant. The fruit is versatile and tastes excellent whether fresh, dried or frozen. Pick the young, tender shoots in early spring and steam them or add to soups like a vegetable.
What are blackberries good for?
Leaves and stems are also valuable: the young shoots can be eaten raw or steamed in early spring. Blackberry leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea.
What is the color of the new berries?
The new berries are a scarlet red that ripen to black. The Pacific Blackberry is an excellent understory plant and will grow well with many of the other species in our catalogue. Consider growing it under taller shrubs like the Serviceberry or underneath a tree like the Pacific Crab Apple.
What are the benefits of eating loganberries?
The berries can be eaten raw, cooked into preserves or compotes, baked into pies and more! The berries are rich in antioxidants and are a good source of potassium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
Is Pacific Blackberry a vine?
Pacific Blackberry is a native food and deciduous trailing vine with small, tasty blackberries. ***The Pacific Blackberry is mostly dioecious, meaning male and female parts are generally on different plants. However, we are only able to offer unsexed plants at this time.
Where do black raspberries come from?
Black Raspberries. Scientific Name: Rubus leucodermis. Origins: Also known as the Whitebark Raspberry, this plant’s range stretches from the Pacific Northwest to north Mexico. Color and Shape: Similar in shape to a raspberry, unripe berries range in color from red to dark purple, growing darker as they ripen.
Where did the berry come from?
Origins: Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest eat this berry throughout the year—both fresh and dried, often using it as fish bait due to its resemblance to a salmon egg.
How to tell if a blackberry is a raspberry?
A way to tell these berries apart from a regular blackberry is the core: blackberries have a white core, whereas a black raspberry is hollow in the middle like a regular raspberry. Black raspberries tend to be more “fuzzy” like raspberries instead of more smooth like blackberries.
What is the color of salal berries?
Origin: Eaten by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest in combination with Oregon Grapes to sweeten them, Salal berries are often dried into cakes. Color and shape: Dark blue, these berries are smooth and oval shaped. Taste: Sweet with a mealy texture.
What is the color of Oregon grape?
Origin: Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest have long eaten this berry, but often mix it with sweeter berries to better its flavor. These berries are also used for dye and medicinal purposes. Color and shape: Blue/purple. They look and taste nothing like a grape.
When is salmonberry season?
Where to Find Them: The plant prefers moist, shady areas with a bit of sun and can commonly be found near creeks. Peak Season: Salmonberries are best from early May to late July.
What is the color of a huckleberry?
Origins: Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest are fond of this berry, often traveling long distances to gather them—eating them fresh or drying them into cakes. Color and Shape: Mostly black but can appear bluish or purple, Huckleberries are smooth and round.
Where do whitebark raspberries come from?
Origins: Also known as the Whitebark Raspberry, this plant’s range stretches from the Pacific Northwest to north Mexico. Color and Shape: Similar in shape to a raspberry, unripe berries range in color from red to dark purple, growing darker as they ripen.
Where did salmonberries originate?
Salmonberries. Scientific Name: Rubus spectabilis. Origins: Native to the West coast of North America, salmonberries were traditionally eaten with salmon or salmon roe by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Color and shape: Mature berries are most commonly a yellow-orange. Younger berries may appear red.
How to tell if a blackberry is a raspberry?
A way to tell these berries apart from a regular blackberry is the core: blackberries have a white core, whereas a black raspberry is hollow in the middle like a regular raspberry. Black raspberries tend to be more “fuzzy” like raspberries instead of more smooth like blackberries.
What color are berries?
Color and shape: Mature berries are most commonly a yellow-orange. Younger berries may appear red. Berries are bumpy in shape, much like blackberries (Beware of the thorns on the plant). Taste: Mildly sweet to neutral taste.
What is the color of Oregon grape?
Origin: Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest used to eat this berry, but did not favor it, often mixing it with sweeter berries to better its flavor. These berries have also been used for dye and medicinal uses. Color and shape: Blue/purple.
Where did Salal berries come from?
Origin: Eaten by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest in combination with Oregon Grapes to sweeten them, Salal berries were often dried into cakes. Color and shape: Dark blue, these berries are smooth and oval shaped. Taste: Sweet with a mealy texture.
What is the color of a huckleberry?
Origins: The Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest were fond of this berry, traveling long distances to gather them—eating them fresh, and drying them into cakes. Color and Shape: Mostly black but can appear bluish or purple, Huckleberries are smooth and round.
Wild Strawberry
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) is Pacific Northwest native ground cover. It forms a low, lush compact mat of glossy green leaves that becom...
Cascade Trailing Blackberry
Rubus ursinus Every summer from Alaska to Northern California, fruit lovers "in the know" pick (and trip over) our sweet, especially tasty, native...
Scarlet Ovation Huckleberry
Vaccinium ovatum 'Scarlet Ovation' This gorgeous edible ornamental is a naturally dwarfing selection of the native Evergreen huckleberry chosen for...
Olympic Berry
Rubus x loganobaccus ‘Phenomenal’ x leucodermis Once so popular that the Seattle Times called it “the most outstanding berry of the Northwest”, thi...
Kinnikinnick
Arctostaphylos uva ursi This native evergreen ground cover thrives in well-drained soils, even in sand. It needs little care. Prostrate trailing br...
Thimbleberry
Rubus parviflorus Thimbleberry is a Pacific Northwest native, related to the raspberry. Thimbleberry produces small, bright red fruits shaped like ...
Salmonberry
Rubus spectabilis Salmonberry, native to the Pacific Northwest, blooms with loads of beautiful, starry, pink flowers that ripen into golden fruit e...
What are blackberries used for?
Blackberries and Their Lookalikes. Blackberries and their lookalikes, dewberries, are two of the most commonly harvested wild berries, and with good reason. These fruits are wonderful for anything from pies, cobblers, to jam and preserves. You’ll find blackberries along the edges of wooded areas, and sometimes out in the open, ...
What are the most popular berries in the United States?
Raspberries and Their Lookalikes. Black and red raspberries are one of the most popular berries in the United States, ranking third right after strawberries and blueberries. Black raspberries are often confused with blackberries, but it’s easy to tell the difference between the two.
How to tell the difference between blackberries and dewberries?
To tell the difference between dewberries and blackberries, first look at the structure of the shrub. Blackberries produce tall canes, while dewberries are a trailing bramble that rarely exceeds two feet in height. The berries on a dewberry bush are also a little larger than blackberries.
What do you look for in elderberries?
When harvesting elderberries, always look for large, flat clusters of dark blue or purple berries. If you spot berries that look similar to a long cluster of grapes, you may be looking at pokeberries, which are mildly toxic. Pokeberries are also roughly the size of a pea and they’re somewhat flat.
Do elderberries need to be cooked before eating?
Here are some images that highlight a few more differences: It’s important to note that elderberries need to be cooked before eating.
Is pokeberry poisonous?
Mildly toxic pokeberries. Elderberries ( Sambucus nigra) are another native species that grow throughout the United States. They are commonly used to make a syrup to help treat colds and flu, but some pickers avoid them because there are a couple of dangerous lookalikes.
Do blackberries have a white core?
Blackberries always have a white core, while black raspberries are hollow, blackberries are also larger, shinier, and they appear later in the growing season. The red raspberry has fewer noteworthy lookalikes than blackberries and black raspberries. Non-Toxic Thimbleberries.
Edible Uses
Ornamental Qualities
- The Pacific Blackberry is an excellent choice for the native, ornamental garden. The flowers are small and delicate but very fragrant. Their leaves come in threes, serrated and dark green with delicate rose like single flowers. The new berries are a scarlet red that ripen to black. The Pacific Blackberry is an excellent understory plant and will grow well with many of the other species in o…
Environment and Culture
- The Pacific Blackberry is common throughout the Pacific Northwest but is especially prevalent in recently disturbed forests. The berries are very popular with many species of birds, deer and rabbits like to eat the tender shoots in spring. Northwest Native American tribes today still value this special plant as food, medicine, and family. Despite g...
Harvest, Care, and Preparation
- Harvest the berries one at a time as they ripen from late summer through the fall. The plants are not difficult to manage but require water in the summer to get the best berries. The Pacific Blackberry is dioecious and only the female plants bear fruit. Their spikes are considerably smaller and softer than the large invasive blackberries, but they are still prickly so gloves are rec…