Rubus ursinus (Pacific Blackberry) CC DP

Plant Description:

This plant is a native perennial, low trailing shrub. Its trailing or climbing stem is armed with tiny, slender, hooked spines. This species produces male and female flowers borne on separate plants that are white or pink with elongated petals. Both flowers are five petaled. Trailing blackberry produces edible berries in open, sunny areas.

• Height: 1-2 ft
  
• Width: 6-10 ft
  
• Watering needs: Low to moderate
• Sun needs: Sun or part shade
• Soil needs: tolerates a variety 
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Ripening Time: April to August
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function:

The berries are widely held to be superior in taste to the more common non-native Himalayan/Evergreen blackberries, although are smaller in size and produce less fruit.  Their valuable characteristics have been used in the breeding of various commercial berries, including the loganberry. 

The berries can be eaten raw, cooked into preserves or compotes, baked into pies and more! The berries are rich in antioxidants and are a good source of potassium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.  Interestingly, their seeds even have Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.  Leaves and stems are also valuable: the young shoots can be eaten raw or steamed in early spring.  Blackberry leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea.

Also called Trailing blackberry