Rubus ursinus

Also Known As

California Blackberry
Trailing Blackberry

Plant type

shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 8'-10'

planting zones

5a-10b

More Options

Rubus ursinus plant details

Rubus ursinus is a broadleaf deciduous fruit / vegetable or shrub with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rubus ursinus

Plant type: fruit / vegetable or shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 10 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rubus ursinus

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, erosion
Soil needs: average, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A deciduous climbing or trailing evergreen shrub. Native blackberry is not aggressive like it's Himalayan cousin. The berries are edible and tasty. Flowers host beneficial insects. Good creek-side for erosion control. Tolerates salt spray in shoreline and bluff plantings. Flowers February - June and berries July-August Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. The flowers host beneficial insects and it is good creek-side for erosion control. Native American peoples ate the berries fresh or preserved and a decoction of the roots was taken for diarrhea by the Kashaya Pomo peoples of California. Found in in canyons, coastal, streambanks, and disturbed places. Communitites located in Coastal Strand, Douglas-Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 4500 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

Evergreen shrub 24-36" tall, spreading to 10' wide under favorable conditions. White springtime flowers are followed by edible fruits in summer and fall. Plants tolerate a wide range of soil types, and do equally well in sun or shade. Provide regular water. Hardy to 0 °F. California.