Rubus ursinus * California Blackberry, Pacific Blackberry

Rubus ursinus grows where there is significant moisture for at least part of the year. The California Blackberry range includes the western region to British Columbia and is often referred to as the Pacific Blackberry. The California Blackberry requires at least some sun to generate decent berries. The blackberry flowers are primarily pollinated by honeybees. In a sunny location the California Blackberry requires moisture or the berries will shrivel in the heat. Rubus ursinus is often found along streambanks even in areas where the stream dries up during the summer. The California Blackberry is common in Oak Woodlands and in shaded north exposures, particularly lower in the canyon. The leaves are similar enough to poison oak but blackberry leaves are a little hairy and the teeth are a little pointed. And the blackberry does have its thorns. A healthy patch of California Blackberries is a bonus to a garden but sometimes hard to contain. The spread by seed and runner and when the tips of the branches touch the ground Rubus ursinus will produce roots and sprouts and make another plant. The roots survive a long time underground even if nothing green is allowed to grow. If only my roses were this hardy. Though tough to keep in check I love the berries. My patch has found a spot it likes and one I can tolerate. The wildlife is attracted to the Pale Pink to White flowers for the latter part of the Spring. California Quail use the California Blackberries for cover, mostly eating bugs and seeds below. So many other birds do as well. This is one of the most productive habitat sections of my garden. I maintain trails through my patch and pick fabulous berries all summer.