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Rubus laciniatus/R. bifrons
Rose Family
Identification Tips
- Himalayan blackberry has robust, sprawling perennial canes with large, stiff thorns. Canes can grow up to 10 feet tall with trailing canes reaching up to 40 feet in length. Young canes arch as they grow longer, eventually reaching the ground and rooting at the nodes.
- Himalayan blackberry grows in full sun, forming dense, thorny thickets.
- The compound leaves of Himalayan blackberry have large, round to oblong, toothed leaflets. The leaflets typically come in sets of three (on trailing canes) or five (on main stems).
- The flowers of Himalayan blackberry are pink to white, about one inch in diameter, and borne in clusters of 5 to 20.
- The native trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus) is low-growing and less robust than the introduced species. The stems are thinner and the leaves are composed of just three leaflets.
*Also known as R. armeniacus (Himalayan or Armenian blackberry), R. discolor, or R. bifrons
Impacts
- Himalayan blackberry is highly invasive and difficult to control.
- Himalayan blackberry outcompetes native early successional understory vegetation and prevents the establishment of desirable native trees such as Douglas-fir.
- Blackberry can limit the movement of large animals by forming large, impenetrable thickets.
Habitat & Distribution
- Non-native blackberries have become a significant problem on the west side of the Cascades where they are much more aggressive than on the east side.
- They can be found in a range of habitats such as roadsides, vacant lands, pastures, forest plantations, creek gullies, river flats, riparian areas, fence lines, and right-of-way corridors.
Reproduction & Spread
- Invasive blackberry reproduces vegetatively from root fragments, and also by animal- and bird-dispersed fruits.
- The plants begin flowering in late spring with fruit ripening from midsummer through early September.
- Daughter plants can form where canes touch the ground and begin rooting.
- Seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years.
CONTROL INFORMATION
Integrated Pest Management
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involves selecting from a range of possible control methods to match the management requirements of each specific site. The goal is to maximize effective control and to minimize negative environmental, economic, and recreational impacts.
- Use a multifaceted and adaptive approach. Select control methods reflecting the available time, funding, and labor of the participants, the land use goals, and the values of the community and landowners. Management will require dedication for a number of years and should allow flexibility in methods.
Planning Considerations
- Survey area for weeds, set priorities, and select the best control method(s) for the site.
- Control practices should be selected to minimize soil disturbance. Minimizing disturbance prevents further infestations of weeds.
- Begin work on the perimeter of the infested area first and move inward toward the core of the infestation.
- Monitor the site and continue to treat plants that germinate from the seed bank.
- Revegetate the treatment areas to improve ecosystem function and prevent new infestations.
Early Detection and Prevention
- Blackberry is easily identifiable throughout the year.
- Control new infestations as early as possible.
- Minimize soil disturbance from vehicles, machinery, and over-grazing to reduce seed germination.
- Monitor for new plants and re-treat as necessary. Ensure any existing plants do not produce and release seed.
- Prevent the additional spread of blackberry by thoroughly cleaning tools, boots, and vehicles after working in or traveling through an infested area.
Manual, Mechanical, & Cultural Control
- When plants are young, hand pull the stem close to the ground and uproot the root ball. This method is most effective in loose soils or after a rain.
- For small infestations, dig up root crowns and grub roots. Be sure to monitor the work area for large root fragments which, when left in the ground, can re-sprout.
- Mowing, including the use of riding mowers and tractor-mounted mowers, can be effective to suppress the spread of blackberries but often does not provide control and may also harm desirable plants. Cut vines several times a year over several years to exhaust the energy reserves. Do not mow where soils are highly susceptible to compaction or erosion, or where soils are very wet.
- Note: Birds may nest in blackberry patches from early spring through July. Mow large berry thickets during dry periods in the fall or winter to prevent damage to nesting birds. Once the large canes have been cut, follow up by mowing the younger plants in the summer.
- Plant trees to control blackberry over the long run. Established trees will shade out blackberry and improve habitat for other native species and wildlife.
Biological Control
Biological control is the deliberate introduction of insects, mammals, or other organisms which adversely affect the target weed species. Biological control is generally most effective when used in conjunction with other control techniques.
- Goats or pigs may be effective in controlling blackberry re-growth during the first four years. On mature stands, goats tend to only strip the leaves off of the canes. Like mowing, grazing must be continuous or regrowth will occur. Care should be taken to fence off or protect any native or desirable vegetation.
Herbicide Control
- Only apply herbicides at proper rates and for the site conditions or land usage specified on the label. Follow all label directions and wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
- For control of large infestations, herbicide use may be effective either alone or in combination with mowing. Treated areas should not be mowed until after the herbicide has taken effect and weeds are brown and dead.
- Monitor treated areas for missed and newly germinated plants. Selective herbicides are preferred over non-selective herbicides when applying in a grassy area.
- Minimize impacts to pollinators by controlling weeds before they flower. If possible, make herbicide applications in the morning or evening when bees are least active. Avoid spraying pollinators directly.
Specific Herbicide Information
Herbicides are described here by the active ingredient. Many commercial formulations are available containing specific active ingredients, but often are not formulated for use near aquatic sites. Always be sure to select an aquatically-approved herbicide and surfactant for use near water. References to product names are for example only. Directions for use may vary between brands. Note: herbicide treatment of blackberry is most effective in the late summer after fruiting and until the first frost.
Control blackberry effectively with targeted applications of one of the following herbicides:
- Triclopyr [amine/salt] (e.g. Garlon 3A, Ortho Max Poison Ivy and Tough Brush Killer)
- Triclopyr [choline] (e.g. Vastlan)
- Glyphosate + triclopyr [amine/salt or choline] (e.g. Roundup Wild Blackberry Plus Vine Killer)
- Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup)
- 2,4-D combined with triclopyr [ester] (e.g. Crossbow) brings with it concerns about toxicity to fish and amphibians and should only be used sparingly.
- For large infestations, a combination of mowing, then treating the regrowth may be the best option. Wait a few months after mowing to ensure plenty of leaf surface (18-24” of re-growth) is available to absorb enough herbicide to kill the roots. Follow-up as necessary.
- Continuously monitor for new plants, especially following any disturbance to the soil such as tilling or construction. Birds can spread blackberry, so vigilance is required to prevent new infestations. Multiple seasons of applications are typically required to control established stands of blackberry.
This BMP does not constitute a formal recommendation. When using herbicides, always consult the label.
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