Rubus laciniatus

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.

Cut-leaf blackberry, is a perennial shrub in the Roseaceae (rose) family that typically grows to 6 feet high and 8 feet wide but can reach width of up to 30 feet. It is found on woodland edges and clearings and has prickly reddish stems with recurved thorns. White flowers bloom from July to August, followed by the ripened fruit from August to September. The fruits start red, but turn black when ripe. This species is a blackberry with biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock. The stems start off upright and then curve to touch the ground. These stems fruit in their second year and then die off.

The plant does well in moist soil of various textures (sand, clay or loam) and a variety of pH conditions. Prefers well-drained soil and dappled shade to full sun. It has a rapid growth rate, can become weedy and can form thickets that reduce germination of native plant species.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.  It is listed as an invasive species in some states.