Shrubby Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Rubus
Species:
Rubus fruticosus

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Shrub , Vine
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, white
Food Forest:
Plant contains edible parts
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Ancylis apicana, Archips purpurana, blackberry skeletonizer (Schreckensteinia festaliella), bold-feathered grass moth (Herpetogramma pertextalis), broken-banded leafroller (Choristoneura fractivittana), Coleophora cretaticostella, green cloverworm moth (Platynota idaeusalis), Green Cloverworm Moth (Hypena scabra), Lace-winged zale (Zale minerea), Lacinipolia patalis, Lettered habrosyne (Habrosyne scripta), Menesta tortriciformella, oak sparganothis moth (Sparganothis directana), Olethreutes concinnana, Olethreutes furfuranum, orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia citrana), Saddleback Caterpillar Moth (Acharia stimulea), spiny looper moth (Phigalia titea), Tischeria aenea, Virginia creeper clearwing (Pennisetia marginata)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Thrives in nutrient-rich environments