Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Oregon Thornless' (B)

Names

• Synonyms

  Oregon Thornless Blackberry, Thornless Blackberry, Evergreen Blackberry, Thornless Bramble

• Common names

  Rubus fruticosus 'Oregon Thornless'

Toxicity

• To 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.

Characteristics

• Life 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

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 Qualities

This 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.

Feng Shui

The Blackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The 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.