Watauga River Blackberry

Rubus × immanis

Native to:
United States

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Rubus
Species:
Rubus × immanis
USDA Symbol:
RUIM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Subshrub
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire or cutting.

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:
prefers forest edges and clearings

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Rubus seeds often have erratic germination and may require extended cold stratification. Fresh seed germinates better than dried seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI