Rubus canadensis, commonly known as Smooth Blackberry or Canadian Blackberry, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and clearings across central and eastern Canada and the eastern United States, particularly in New England, the Great Lakes region, and the Appalachian Mountains. This species typically forms dense thickets reaching 7 to 10 feet in height and spreads via rhizomes. The leaves are alternately arranged, compound with three to five leaflets, each leaflet measuring 4 to 8 inches long, with the entire leaf having a smooth or slightly serrated margin. From late spring to early summer, it produces an inflorescence consisting of up to 25 white to pale pink flowers, each about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers give way to an aggregate of small, juicy drupes that are edible and ripen to a deep purple-black color.

Smooth Blackberry is valued for its edible fruit, which can be used in culinary applications such as jams, jellies, and desserts. It is also appreciated for its wildlife value, as the berries provide food for birds and mammals. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soil to thrive. It can be used for naturalizing in rural gardens, as a fruiting hedge, or for erosion control on slopes. However, gardeners should be aware that it can become aggressive and may require management to keep it in check. Additionally, it is susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and can be affected by pests like spider mites and aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0