California Blackberry (Rubus ursinus)

California Blackberry

(Rubus ursinus)

Dawn Endico from Menlo Park, California

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Dawn Endico from Menlo Park, California

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Dawn Endico from Menlo Park, California | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Arria Belli | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Rubus_ursinus_flower.jpg | Notes: {{BotMoveToCommons|en.wikipedia|year={{subst:CURRENTYEAR}}|month={{subst:CURRENTMONTHNAME}}|day={{subst:CURRENTDAY}}}} {{Information |Description={{en|Black-eyed Susan blossom. Photo taken by user Lorax and released under the GFDL}} |Sou

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Rubus ursinus, commonly known as California Blackberry, is a semi-deciduous subshrub native to chaparral, woodland edges, and riparian zones in Western North America. It typically grows to 2–5 feet (0.61–1.52 m) high and can spread more than 6 feet (1.8 m) wide. The plant exhibits a sprawling habit with prickly branches that can take root upon contact with soil, allowing it to spread vegetatively and form expansive clonal colonies. The white flowers, which bloom from spring to early summer, are less showy than those of some related species but are fragrant. The sweet, very aromatic fruits are dark purple to black, measuring up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) in length, and are highly valued by both wildlife and humans.

The California Blackberry is valued for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant. It is used in home gardens, native plant landscapes, and wildlife gardens, and is effective for natural landscaping projects such as stabilizing creek banks. The plant can be espaliered or trained on fences and trellises. It requires consistent moisture to produce large fruits but is moderately drought-tolerant once established. The smallest, fully formed berries, around 1 cm in size, are considered the most desirable. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types with varying drainage. While it provides habitat and food for wildlife, it can become invasive in some areas and may require management to control its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 2-5 feet
Width: 2-6 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Chaparral, woodland edges, and riparian zones in Western North America

Other Names

Common Names: Pacific Blackberry, Pacific Dewberry, Douglas Berry, California Dewberry, Pacific Trailing Blackberry, Ronce À Grands Pétales

Scientific Names: , Rubus ursinus, Rubus ursinus var. ursinus, Rubus ursinus var. glabratus, Rubus ursinus var. medusae, Rubus ursinus var. menziesii, Rubus ursinus var. pentaphyllus, Rubus ursinus var. typicus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Rubus ursinus Cham. & Schltdl.