Because Himalayan blackberry is so widespread, property owners are not required to control it and we are not generally tracking infestations. In some areas, the plant is cultivated for its berries, but in many areas it is considered a noxious weed and an invasive species. [12] It is especially established West of the Cascades in the American Pacific Northwest. It has large, deep, woody root balls that sprout at nodes. The best practices for removal include digging up the rhizomes and connecting underground structures, and herbicides. In its first year a new stem grows vigorously to its full length of 4–10 m, trailing along the ground or arching up to 4 m high. Himalayan blackberry is a tall semi-woody shrub, characterized by thorny stems and dark edible fruits. Flowers are in flat-topped clusters of 5 to 20 flowers, each with 5 petals, white to light pink, about 1 inch in diameter. Himalayan blackberry is a Class C noxious weed that is not selected for required control in King County. Himalayan blackberry is a rambling evergreen, perennial, woody shrub with trailing, stout stems that possess sharp, stiff spines. Rubus armeniacus is a perennial plant that bears biennial stems ("canes") from the perennial root system. Himalayan Blackberry Armenian Blackberry Giant Blackberry Description. Himalayan blackberry is a Eurasian species introduced for fruit production that is highly invasive and difficult to control. Himalayan blackberry is a tall, semi-woody shrub with thorny stems and edible fruits. The leaves on first year shoots are 7–20 cm long, palmately compound with either three or more commonly five leaflets. Similarly, in EarthCorps' Seattle Urban Nature’s plant inventory of Seattle’s public forests, Himalayan and evergreen blackberry were found to be the most invasive species in Seattle's forests. Canes or stems are biennial. (0.9-2.4 cm) long and are palmately compound with 5 leaflets. Blackberry can be controlled by digging, mowing, herbicide, plowing, and/or livestock grazing (especially goats). It is a notorious invasive species in many countries around the world and costs millions of dollars for both control and in estimated impacts. Consider replanting the area with native plants well-suited to our local climate and soil conditions that will also provide benefits to our local ecosystems. [2][3][4] Flora of North America, published in 2014, considers the taxonomy unsettled, and tentatively uses the older name Rubus bifrons.[5]. Overview Appearance Rubus armeniacus is a perennial shrub that is native to western Europe. Noxious Weed Information. Abstract. Leaflets are large, broad, oblong, 6 ¼ to 13 cm To contact staff, see the Noxious Weed Control Program Directory, send an email, or call 206-477-WEED (206-477-9333). Stems live two or three years, frequently root at the tips, are very strongly angled rather than round, and have large, curved spines. The name blackberry is used to describe several species, including Rubus fruticosis (wild blackberry), Rubus ursinus and Rubus argutus, two species native to North America. Himalayan blackberry is a perennial bramblewith stems that grow up to 9 meters long. The canes of Himalayan blackberry can reach lengths of 40 feet and are typically green to deep red in color. This plant has no children. In their second year, the shoots become smooth and produce flowering canes whose smaller leaves have 3 leaflets. For more information on noxious weed regulations and definitions, see Noxious weed lists and laws. Himalayan blackberry is abundant along rivers and wetland edges in King County, often blocking access to these areas. The canes of Himalayan blackberry can reach lengths of 40 feet and are typically green to deep red in color. It was valued for its fruit, similar to that of common blackberries (Rubus fruticosus and allies) but larger and sweeter, making it a more attractive species for both domestic and commercial fruit production. Latin Names: Rubus armeniacus Rubus discolor Rubus procerus. Rubus armeniacus soon escaped from cultivation and has become an invasive species in most of the temperate world. Himalayan blackberry, like other invasive plants, reduces the environmental services provided by a healthy forested watershed. Müll.) Due to the threats the plant poses and its limited known distributions on O’ahu, OISC is working on eradicating Himalayan blackberry island-wide. Control is recommended but not required because it is widespread in King County. In an invasive weed survey of the relatively pristine Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley, Himalayan and evergreen blackberry covered more area than all of the other invasive species combined. This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. It was first introduced from Europe to the area as a crop plant in the 1800’s. DESCRIPTION: Himalayan blackberry is a robust, sprawling, weak-stemmed shrub. Native to Eurasia; among the many native blackberries and raspberries, one can differentiate Himalayan blackberry by the five leaflets and curved spines with wide bases. Description Top of page. Since then, it has invaded large areas throughout the west coast. The most labor friendly and cost-effective way to remove this plant in smaller-scale infestations is to cut it as close to the ground as possible and then apply a drop or two of a triclopyr-based herbicide to the cut. Program offices are located at 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104. The flowers are produced in late spring and early summer on panicles of 3–20 together on the tips of the second-year side shoots, each flower 2–2.5 cm diameter with five white or pale pink petals. 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