Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Oregon Thornless' (B)
ABOUT
The 'Oregon Thornless' blackberry is known for its notable feature of having no thorns, which differentiates it from many other blackberry varieties that typically have thorny canes. This cultivar presents with smooth canes that are easier to handle, making maintenance and fruit picking a more pleasant experience. The plant produces dark green, compound leaves which typically have five leaflets, although sometimes the number can vary. The foliage provides a lush backdrop for the clusters of white to pale pink flowers that appear in spring. These blossoms are both attractive and beneficial for pollinators, adding a decorative touch to the plant before the fruit sets. Following flowering, the 'Oregon Thornless' blackberry yields a generous crop of large, juicy berries. The berries have a deep black hue when ripe and are known for their sweet, slightly tart flavor that makes them a favorite for fresh eating, as well as for use in jams, jellies, and baked goods. Reflecting the vigorous nature of blackberry plants, the 'Oregon Thornless' variety can spread through its canes, which are capable of rooting where they touch the ground, allowing the plant to propagate. This characteristic should be considered when managing the plant to prevent unwanted spread. Overall, the 'Oregon Thornless' blackberry is prized for its ease of care, thornless canes, attractive foliage, abundant fruit production, and adaptability.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Oregon Thornless Blackberry, Thornless Blackberry, Evergreen Blackberry, Thornless Bramble
Common names
Rubus fruticosus 'Oregon Thornless'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as blackberry, specifically the 'Oregon Thornless' cultivar, is not considered toxic to humans. It is generally safe to eat the fruit of this plant when ripe. There are no well-documented toxic effects from ingesting the fruit or other parts of this particular cultivar of blackberry plant in humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies may exist, and unripe berries or other plant parts consumed in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to their tannin content.
To pets
The common blackberry, including the 'Oregon Thornless' variety, is not toxic to pets. The ripe fruit is generally safe for pets to consume in moderation. However, pets may potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they eat large amounts of the unripe fruit or other parts of the plant due to the tannins and other compounds present in blackberries. It is always advisable to monitor pets when they are around plants and to introduce any new food, including blackberry fruit, into their diet gradually to ensure they do not have an adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: Produces tasty blackberries that can be eaten fresh, or used in cooking and baking.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts a variety of wildlife, including birds and pollinators, which can benefit the ecosystem.
- Thornless Variety: As an "Oregon Thornless" variety, it is easier and less painful to handle compared to thorned blackberry plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides visual interest in gardens with its white or pink flowers in spring and dark berries in summer.
- Yield Production: Can produce a high yield of blackberries, providing a plentiful harvest for household consumption or commercial use.
- Privacy Screen: When grown as a hedge or barrier, it can provide privacy due to its size and foliage density.
- Adaptability: Capable of growing in various soil types and conditions, making it versatile for different landscapes.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Blackberry leaves and fruit have been found to contain high levels of antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds in blackberries, such as ellagic acid and flavonoids, may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antimicrobial: Blackberry extracts have shown antimicrobial activity against various pathogens in studies.
- Gastrointestinal health: Blackberry leaves have been traditionally used to treat mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
- Diarrhea and dysentery: The astringent effects of tannins in blackberry leaves have been traditionally used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The cane wood of the blackberry plant can be utilized in basketry and weaving crafts for its flexibility and strength after proper treatment.
- The thornless variety of blackberries such as 'Oregon Thornless' is particularly useful for safe gardening education programs for children due to the absence of thorns.
- Blackberry plants can be used as a natural dye source; the berries produce a strong purple dye, while the leaves can yield various shades of green.
- The canes, being sturdy and thick, can be used to create garden trellises or supports for other climbing plants within a sustainable garden setting.
- The leaves of blackberry plants can be used in compost piles as they decompose relatively quickly and add nutrients back into the soil.
- Ground blackberry leaves can serve as a natural insect repellent when scattered around certain plant beds to deter certain pests.
- Landscapers can use blackberry plants in erosion control efforts, as their roots help stabilize soil on slopes and water edges.
- Some chefs use blackberry leaves as a flavoring agent to infuse teas or to experiment with in culinary dishes, providing a subtle aroma.
- The thornless blackberry canes can be fashioned into walking sticks or canes after they are dried and treated properly.
- After the harvest season, pruned blackberry canes can serve as biofuel in wood-burning stoves or fire pits with appropriate precautions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blackberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The thornless variety of blackberry, like its thorny counterparts, is often considered a symbol of protection due to the dense, bramble nature of the blackberry bush. Even without the thorns, 'Oregon Thornless' provides a natural barrier.
- Abundance: Blackberry plants are known for their prolific fruit production. The 'Oregon Thornless' variety, which facilitates easier picking, is associated with abundance and fertility.
- Healing: Historically, blackberry leaves and roots have been used in folk medicine. This aspect bestows upon the plant a symbolic meaning of healing and health.
WaterFor an Oregon Thornless blackberry, water deeply every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, ensuring that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.62 to 1.25 gallons per square foot every week, depending on weather conditions. During winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightOregon Thornless blackberries flourish in full sunlight where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. The best spot for planting is one that's unobstructed by buildings or trees, ensuring ample light exposure. Sunlight is crucial for flower formation and fruit ripening, so place these blackberries in the sunniest location possible.
TemperatureOregon Thornless blackberries thrive in a range of temperate conditions; they can survive winter lows down to about 10°F, though frost can damage the plants. The ideal growing temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. Blackberries are resilient, but consistently extreme temperatures above 90°F may stress the plant and affect fruit quality.
PruningPruning Oregon Thornless blackberries is essential to maintain plant vigor and promote annual fruiting. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins by removing dead canes and thinning overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. Prune again, if necessary, after fruiting by removing canes that have already fruited, as they will not produce again.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe blackberry 'Oregon Thornless' requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix consisting of loamy garden soil, peat moss or well-rotted compost, and some sand to improve drainage is ideal for this cultivar.
RepottingBlackberries like the 'Oregon Thornless' are not commonly repotted as they are planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in containers they should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and provide room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry 'Oregon Thornless' plants are adaptable to various humidity levels but thrive best in moderate humidity environments typical of outdoor conditions, without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Oregon Thornless' blackberry in large containers with drainage and ample light.
Outdoor
Plant 'Oregon Thornless' blackberry in sunny spot, well-drained soil, space 4-6 ft.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe blackberry 'Oregon Thornless' begins its life as a seed, germinating in the soil with adequate moisture, warmth, and light conditions. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic compound leaves. Throughout its first year, it enters a vegetative stage where it produces new stems called primocanes, which do not typically bear fruit. As the plant matures into its second year, the primocanes transition into floricanes, which are the fruiting canes, bearing clusters of white to pinkish flowers. Following pollination, these flowers develop into the blackberries, turning from green to red and finally to black upon ripening in late summer to early autumn. After fruiting, the floricanes die back, and the plant continues its cycle with new primocanes that will become the next season's floricanes for fruit production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Oregon Thornless blackberry, also known as Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Oregon Thornless', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is usually undertaken during late summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth, selecting healthy, disease-free shoots. A length of about 5 to 8 inches (12.7 to 20.32 cm) is cut and the lower leaves are removed to expose a node where roots will form. It's important to plant the cutting in a mixture of peat and perlite to ensure good drainage and to maintain high humidity around it. Rooting hormone can be used to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings are then kept in a warm place with indirect sunlight until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks.
