Weed Identification: Blackberry

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus aggregate) is considered a weed of national significance due to its prevalence, high degree of invasiveness and its economic and environmental impacts. Blackberry and bushfires are a terrible combination, they will add fuel to the fire whilst also restricting access to important fire trails. Originally from Europe, not only does blackberry outcompete native vegetation, but it also provides the perfect habitat for pest animals such as rabbits & foxes. Blackberry can be identified by their green alternate leaves that are lighter green on the underside and covered in short prickles, their thorny stems and lastly of course their delicious red to purple berries.

Blackberries are a terribly hardy plant with roots that grow in a crown, with the main taproot that can grow up to four metres deep. Because of this, hand removal of mature plants can be difficult as there will often be part of the root system remaining in the soil. The best methods for management are spraying with a registered herbicide & to cut and paint (note; some species of Blackberry have adapted a resistance to some herbicides, so it is best to identify the species before applying herbicide). There is an indigenous look alike; Native Rasberry (Rubus parvifolius) which can be confused for blackberry when both plants are juvenile. Native Raspberry has a different leaf structure to Blackberry. The Veins on the leaves are also very different with Native Raspberry being very pronounced and deep compared with Blackberry. Mature blackberry plants will also be much larger with larger thorns. If you have Blackberry growing on your property and would like to replace it with an Indigenous alternative, Native Raspberry is a great option. The Shire Nurseries are a great place to buy Indigenous plants to fill your gardens with!