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Rubus parcifrondifer

L. H. Bailey

Silver Creek Blackberry

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) csledge, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) csledge, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) csledge, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

A deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage preference. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH and prefers moist conditions in semi-shade or full sun.

Description

A deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage preference. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH and prefers moist conditions in semi-shade or full sun.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. According to one report this species is no more than a synonym for R. pensylvanicus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs one month of stratification at about 3°C and should be sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame, and plant out into permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July/August in a frame. Tip layer in July and plant out in autumn. Division can be done in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.

Other Uses

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Other Information

It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 250 Rubus species.

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

DEADLY

Red Baneberry

Actaea rubra

Walter Siegmund (talk)

Safe

Silver Creek Blackberry

Rubus parcifrondifer

(c) csledge, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.

Silver Creek Blackberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.

Also Known As

Wilson blackberry

References (2)

  • Mansfield's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops p 433
  • Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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