Blackberry: Identifying Characteristics
Habitat:
Blackberry grows well in a variety of soil types and locations from dry, sandy upland areas to flatwoods and stream banks. It is a common roadside and fence line plant.
Size/Form:
Blackberry is a woody perennial shrub that is heavily armed with sharp prickles. It frequently grows in heavy thickets of shoots (canes) that reach heights from 3' to 8'.
Leaves:
The leaves are palmately compound and alternately arranged, with 3 to 5 leaflets on each leaf. The upper surface of leaflets is dark grayish-green and fuzzy while the underside is paler, also fuzzy, and has prickles along the midrib. Leaflet shape is generally obovate with a rounded base and serrate margin.
Flowers:
Small, white, 5-petaled flowers grow in loose clusters near the tips of the branches.
Fruit:
The fruit is an edible cluster of tiny drupelets that turn deep bluish-black when ripe. Each cluster is about 3/4" to 1" long.