What hardiness zones is Rubus armeniacus suitable for?

Rubus armeniacus is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Rubus armeniacus?

Rubus armeniacus requires Full Sun.

How much water does Rubus armeniacus need?

Rubus armeniacus has Low water needs.

1 / 14

Deciduous Shrubs

Rubus armeniacus

Himalayan blackberry

Rosaceae

Caucasus region (Armenia, Georgia, northern Iran)

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitClimbing

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 m)

Width10-15 feet (3-4.6 m)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Rubus armeniacus (syn. Rubus discolor, Rubus procerus) is a vigorous, semi-evergreen to evergreen scrambling shrub producing arching, angular canes 10-15 feet (3-4.6 m) long in a single season, forming dense, impenetrable thickets up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall through tip-rooting, root sprouting, and bird-dispersed seed. Canes are 5-angled in cross-section, stout, with large, strongly recurved thorns — a key identification feature distinguishing this species from native Rubus species. Leaves are palmately compound with (3-)5 large, broadly ovate, doubly serrate leaflets, each 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long, dark green above with white to gray tomentose undersides. Foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen in the Pacific Northwest. Flowers are white to pale pink, 5-petaled, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, in terminal panicles of 5-20 in June to July. Fruit is a large, glossy black aggregate drupe (blackberry), 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) long, ripening in July to August; the receptacle (core) remains attached when picked. Classified as a Class C noxious weed in Washington and a Class B noxious weed in Oregon. One of the most ecologically damaging invasive plants in the Pacific Northwest, displacing native vegetation along streams, in forests, fields, and disturbed areas. Despite its invasive status, the fruit is widely gathered for personal use. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING.

Native Range

Native to the Caucasus region (Armenia, Georgia, northern Iran) and possibly adjacent areas of southeastern Europe. Introduced to North America as a fruit crop in the late 19th century. Now extensively naturalized throughout the Pacific Northwest and classified as a noxious weed in Washington (Class C) and Oregon (Class B).

Suggested Uses

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING. This species is a classified noxious weed in the Pacific Northwest. For blackberry fruit production, plant cultivated thornless blackberry varieties ('Triple Crown', 'Chester', 'Columbia Star') or the native trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus). Existing infestations should be managed according to county noxious weed board guidelines. Despite its invasive status, the fruit is widely foraged; many Pacific Northwest residents harvest from existing wild populations.

How to Identify

Identified by 5-angled canes with large, strongly recurved thorns, palmately compound leaves with (3-)5 broadly ovate leaflets with white-tomentose undersides, and large glossy black fruit with the receptacle (core) attached. Distinguished from native trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus) by 5-angled (not round) canes, palmately (not ternately) compound leaves, larger plant size, and fruit that retains the receptacle. Distinguished from Rubus laciniatus (cutleaf blackberry, also invasive) by entire (not deeply dissected) leaflets.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 15'

Width/Spread10' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

White to pale pink flowers in terminal panicles appear in June to July, lasting 3-4 weeks. Fruit ripens in July to August over a 3-4 week period. Flowers are attractive to pollinators, particularly honeybees. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds annually, which are dispersed by birds and mammals.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale pink

Foliage Description

Dark green above, white-tomentose beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandclay

Drainage

average

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING. This species is a classified noxious weed in the Pacific Northwest. Management and control: cut canes to the ground and treat regrowth with systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) during the growing season. Repeated cutting without herbicide treatment stimulates regrowth from the root crown. Goat grazing is effective for large infestations. Replant controlled areas with native species promptly to prevent recolonization. Root fragments can resprout; thorough removal of root crowns is necessary for complete control.

Pruning

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING. For control purposes: cut all canes to the ground in midsummer and apply herbicide to regrowth. A second treatment in fall may be necessary. Remove all cut cane material, as tip-rooting can occur from discarded canes. Wear heavy protective clothing and gloves when handling.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

high

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic