Blackberry Ouachita Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Ouachita' (PBR) (B)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Ouachita' blackberry is a cultivated variety notable for its productive nature and appealing fruit. This plant forms robust canes that grow new shoots from the base, promoting healthy fruiting as it matures. The canes themselves are thornless, making maintenance and fruit harvesting an easier and more pleasant task. Foliage-wise, the leaves are typically green and are comprised of smaller leaflets that together make up a larger compound leaf. The leaves have a somewhat textured surface, adding a pleasant visual interest and tactile dimension to the plant. During the flowering period, the 'Ouachita' blackberry displays white, five-petaled flowers that eventually give way to the fruit. The blackberries of 'Ouachita' are the standout feature, being large, plump, and glossy. They start as a green color and, through a ripening process, transition to a deep purple-black coloration when ready to pick. These berries are known for their sweet flavor with a hint of tartness and are enjoyed fresh or in various culinary preparations. The plant displays an upright growth habit contributing to its bold appearance in the garden or field.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Ouachita Blackberry
Common names
Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Ouachita' (PBR) (B).
ToxicityTo humans
Blackberry 'Ouachita' is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, the berries are edible and commonly consumed in a variety of foods. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting the berries of this plant. However, it is always prudent to eat only ripe berries that have been properly identified, as unripe berries can sometimes cause gastrointestinal irritation.
To pets
Blackberry 'Ouachita' is not considered toxic to pets. The fruit of the blackberry plant is generally safe for animals to consume in moderation. There are no known toxic effects from pets ingesting the berries of this plant. As with humans, it is advisable for pets to consume only ripe berries, and owners should ensure that pets do not overindulge, as this could potentially cause mild stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Spread
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- High fruit production: 'Ouachita' is known for its prolific fruiting, providing an abundant crop of blackberries.
- Sweet, large berries: The berries are large and have a sweet flavor, making them desirable for fresh eating and culinary uses.
- Thornless canes: Unlike many blackberries, 'Ouachita' has thornless canes, making harvesting and maintenance much easier and more enjoyable.
- Long harvesting season: It has a long fruiting season, which can extend the harvesting period and provide fresh berries over a longer period.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, 'Ouachita' blackberry plants are relatively drought tolerant, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Cold hardiness: This variety is cold-hardy, making it suitable for growth in a range of climates with colder winters.
- Disease resistance: 'Ouachita' blackberry plants have been bred for improved disease resistance, potentially reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Landscape versatility: The plants can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including fruit gardens, borders, and as part of an edible landscape.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract pollinators like bees, which can benefit the biodiversity of the garden or farm.
- Low maintenance: Once established, 'Ouachita' requires minimal maintenance beyond annual pruning and normal care practices for fruiting plants.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant properties - Blackberry leaves and fruits contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory effects - The constituents in blackberry leaves and fruits may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially useful for conditions involving inflammation.
- Antimicrobial activity - Extracts from blackberries have been studied for their potential to act against bacteria and other pathogens.
- Astringent qualities - The tannins present in blackberry leaves give them astringent qualities that may be useful in soothing sore throats and treating minor mouth irritations when used as a gargle or mouthwash.
- Diarrhea and dysentery treatment - Historically, blackberry leaves have been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery due to their tannin content, which can help reduce intestinal inflammation and water loss.
- Wound healing - Topical application of blackberry extracts has been considered for aiding wound healing due to their potential antibacterial properties and tannins.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Landscaping: 'Ouachita' is a blackberry cultivar that can be used for edible landscaping, adding both aesthetic appeal and functionality to gardens by providing fresh fruit.
- Natural Dye: The berries can be used to produce a natural dye, which is suitable for coloring fabrics and yarns.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant can serve as a food source for wildlife, attracting birds and beneficial insects to the garden.
- Erosion Control: With its robust root system, this blackberry cultivar can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Thorny Barrier: The thorniness of the plant can be used to create a natural barrier against unwanted animal intruders into a garden space.
- Craft Material: The canes of the blackberry plant, after pruning, can be used in wickerwork and basket making for their flexibility and strength.
- Livestock Forage: Although not a common use, the leaves and young shoots can serve as emergency forage for livestock.
- Garden Structure: The brambles can be trained along fences or trellises to add a structural element to garden designs.
- Photography Subject: The plant, with its attractive fruit and flowers, provides a beautiful subject for nature and garden photographers.
- Education: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, pollination, and fruit development.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Blackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Blackberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The thorny brambles of blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) traditionally symbolize protection, as their dense thickets can create natural barriers against negative forces.
- Abundance: Blackberry bushes produce copious amounts of fruit when they are in season, symbolizing an abundance of blessings and prosperity.
- Healing: Historically, blackberries have been used for medicinal purposes, and they carry the symbolic meaning of healing and health due to their nutrients and antioxidant properties.
- Lust: The rich, dark juice of blackberries can symbolize lust and sometimes fertility, because of its intensity and the fruit's prolific nature.
- Spirituality: Some folklore ties blackberries to spiritual themes, suggesting the complexity of the bramble's growth as reflective of human entanglements and the pursuit of spiritual understanding.
WaterBlackberry 'Ouachita' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. In hotter, dryer periods, water twice a week, ensuring you're reaching the root zone without waterlogging the soil. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to target the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage. During the rainy season, you may not need to water as frequently—let the soil be your guide and water only when the top couple of inches feel dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
LightBlackberry 'Ouachita' thrives best in full sun, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant your blackberries in a location where they can enjoy uninterrupted sunlight as this maximizes fruit production and helps maintain plant health. Partial shade is tolerable, especially in extremely hot climates, but may result in reduced yield and vigor.
TemperatureBlackberry 'Ouachita' is adaptable to a range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 75°F and 85°F. They can survive winter cold down to -10°F but should be protected from harsh, cold winds. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and fruiting is from 60°F to 90°F.
PruningBlackberry 'Ouachita' requires pruning to encourage fruit production and maintain plant health. Prune in late winter to early spring, removing any dead or damaged canes and thinning the plant to allow light and air circulation. After fruiting, prune out the canes that have produced as they will not fruit again, to make room for new growth. This should be done annually to ensure continued productivity.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlackberry 'Ouachita' thrives in well-drained, fertile loam with high organic content and a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A soil mix of equal parts garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and sand or perlite can create optimal growing conditions.
RepottingBlackberry 'Ouachita', being a vigorously growing fruit bush, does not typically require repotting as it is most often planted directly outdoors. In the case of container-grown plants, repotting every 2-3 years may be necessary to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry 'Ouachita' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements; however, maintaining a moderate ambient humidity would help mimic its natural growing conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full light, ample water, and support for blackberry 'Ouachita'.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enriched soil, water well, and provide trellis support.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycle'Ouachita' blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Ouachita' (PBR) (B)) begins its life cycle with germination, which occurs when the conditions of warmth and moisture are appropriate for the seed to sprout and develop into a seedling. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where leaves, stems, and root systems expand, and it may produce new canes (primocanes) from the root system. As these canes mature into their second year, they transition into floricanes which will bear flowers and subsequently fruits, typically from early summer to midsummer. After fruiting, the floricanes die back, and timely pruning is essential to remove these spent canes and to encourage growth for the next season's crop. In perennial cultivation, the plant will undergo a period of dormancy during colder months, preserving energy to re-emerge in spring. Throughout its life cycle, the plant continuously produces new primocanes, ensuring the perpetuation of growth and fruiting in subsequent years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The blackberry cultivar known as 'Ouachita', scientifically referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Ouachita' (PBR), is commonly propagated through a method called tip layering. This technique takes advantage of the plant's natural tendency to send out long canes. When these canes reach the ground, they will often naturally root at the tips, especially if the tips are slightly buried in the soil. To propagate 'Ouachita' blackberries, gardeners deliberately bury the tip of a healthy cane in the soil to encourage rooting. This usually takes place in late fall or late winter when the plant is dormant. Once the buried tips have established their own roots—typically by the following growing season—they can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted as new independent plants. This method maintains the desired characteristics of the 'Ouachita' blackberry, ensuring consistent fruit quality and plant behavior in the new plants.
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