Allegheny Blackberry

(Rubus allegheniensis)

Allegheny Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rubus allegheniensis, commonly known as Allegheny Blackberry, is a deciduous subshrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and clearings across the Eastern and Central United States and Canada. This species typically grows to about 5 feet (150 cm) in height but can occasionally reach over 8 feet (240 cm), with individual shrubs spreading to 8 feet or more in width. It often forms dense thickets. The leaves are alternate, compound with three to five leaflets, and have toothed margins. The canes are covered in an armament of prickles, which can make handling the plant challenging. In late spring, it produces showy clusters of white, 5-petaled flowers, each about ¾ inch (19 mm) across. By late summer, these flowers give way to glossy, deep-violet to black, aggregate fruits that are both edible and attractive to wildlife.

Allegheny Blackberry is valued for its fruit production and as a wildlife attractant in the garden. It is commonly used for fruit harvesting, naturalized plantings, and as a food source for birds and other animals. The plant’s dense growth habit also makes it suitable for use as a natural barrier or hedge. It thrives in full sun, requiring medium amounts of water and well-drained soils. While it is shade intolerant, it can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from medium to slow drainage. Gardeners should be aware that the plant can spread aggressively via root suckers and may require management to keep it in check. Additionally, the prickles on the canes can make maintenance tasks like pruning somewhat difficult. There are no major disease problems, but the plant can be susceptible to rust and cane blight.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 6-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Common Blackberry, Dewberry, Grave’s Blackberry, Sow-Teat Blackberry, Alleghenybrombeere, Allegheny-Brombeere, Kleine Trosbraam, Sammetsbjörnbär

Scientific Names: , Rubus allegheniensis, Rubus pensilvanicus, Rubus alleghaniensis, Rubus nigrobaccus, Rubus sativus, Rubus pennus, Rubus nigrobaccus var. calycosus, Rubus separ, Rubus allegheniensis var. allegheniensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Rubus allegheniensis Porter