Blackberry Rubus illecebrosus

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 season’s 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 illecebrosus, or the strawberry-raspberry, is a deciduous perennial thorny shrub in the Roseaecae family.  It is typically found in thickets and disturbed areas. It can become weedy and spread freely in a hospitable site. It grows well in sandy to medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The plant requires full sun, but tolerates light shade. The plant flowers in early summer and the seeds ripen into fruit in late summer. Some report that the fruit is sweet and edible raw or cooked. Others feel the fruit is sour or bitter and inedible. The flavor seems to improve when the fruit is cooked.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Other than honey fungus, to which most Rubus species are susceptible, there are no known problems.