Rubus cuneifolius
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ROO-bus kew-nee-FOH-lee-us
- Description
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The Genus Rubus includes blackberry, dewberry, and raspberry and most members of the Genus share the traits of thorny or bristly stems and compound leaves. Also, flowers and fruit appear on last seasons canes (branches), seldom on new shoots, which means one must be cautious when pruning and not remove the canes that will yield next year's berries. There are differences, however, among species; for example, some are erect or arching shrubs up to 8 feet high and others trail on the ground like vines. Some, such as dewberries, produce fruits in the spring while blackberries and raspberries fruit during the summer. In general, Genus Rubus contains some of the most important plants for wildlife in the southeast.
Rubus cuneifolius, or Sand blackberry, is distinguished from other members of the Rubus genus because it is a strong deciduous shrub with an erect, never arching, form. A common blackberry in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, Sand Blackberry also occurs in a few counties in the Piedmont.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. That said, this plant has no known insect or disease problems, but it can become aggressive and difficult to eliminate. Because it is so successful and can spread easily, use caution when selecting a planting site. Herbicides may be required to completely eliminate the plant.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rubus
- Species:
- cuneifolius
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern United States
- Wildlife Value:
- The nectar and pollen of the Sand blackberry flowers attract many kinds of insects, butterflies, and especially long-tongued and short-tongued bees. It provides protective cover year round for numerous small animals and birds. The fruits are relished by songbirds, small mammals, foxes, racoons and black bears. During the winter, birds and small mammals eat the seeds left from rotten fruit. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Heat tolerant
- Edibility:
- The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Dry but sweet and with a good flavour. The fruit can be up to an inch long.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Appendage:
- Prickles
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Aggregate
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Dry but sweet and with a good flavor. Black fruit displays from June to July.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- In bloom from April to June. The plant produces apomictic flowers, these produce fruit and viable seed without fertilization, each seedling is a genetic copy of the parent.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Shape:
- Obovate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are densely white-hairy beneath. The leaflets are broadest beyond the middle and have somewhat rounded tips. The leaves also tend to have a distinctive pleated look to them.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Edible Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Hedge
- Security
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Spines/Thorns