What Type of Plant Is the Himalayan Blackberry?

History

• The Himalayan blackberry was introduced to North America in 1885. It quickly became a favorite summer fruit for pies and jams in the United States. Unfortunately, this blackberry escaped from cultivation and became a problem weed that is hard to control because of its rampant growth, thorny branches and enormous root system. This weed deprives nearby plants of needed moisture by hungrily sucking up most available water in the area in which it grows.

Types of Himalayan Blackberries

• Botanists have developed several hybrid varieties of the Himalayan blackberry. Two of these include plants named "Himalayan Giant" and "Theodore Reimers." All varieties thrive in areas that provide full sun or partial shade and that have damp soil year-round. It is not recommended that homeowners grow any type of Himalayan blackberry.

How Does this Blackberry Spread?

• In addition to the Himalayan blackberry's rapid growth and spreading habit, birds love to eat the berries when they are ripe. Because each berry contains many seeds, they pass through the birds' digestive systems and can land in faraway places when the birds fly over them. The seeds sprout under favorable conditions and create even more blackberry bushes.

Preventing Invasiveness

• It can be a constant challenge to keep the Himalayan blackberry contained or removed from your property. You might be tempted to leave a small patch for food, but this small patch can quickly gain the upper hand and spread quickly. And the berries that you don't pick make an excellent meal for your local birds, which help to spread it. Because of their large root system that stores water, plants often come back in the spring even if you cut off all above ground growth. If you concentrate on controlling a small area of this plant and then gradually move outward, you can achieve good results. Young shoots or seedlings are easier to control than older plants and if you keep cutting off new growth the root system will eventually starve to death. If you are able to dig out the roots, this is your best plan of attack because new growth occurs from under the ground where any root remains. If you choose to use an herbicide, apply it to the cuts on canes you have pruned. Burning has been used to control this weedy plant, but if you want to use this method be sure to check with your local fire department for regulations on starting fires.

Other Blackberries to Grow

• Not all species of blackberry become invasive. Most species that are native to an area do not tend to take over like the Himalayan blackberry. In California, the California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) looks similar to the Himalayan, but does not create the invasiveness problem its cousin does. Other native blackberries exist in many states --- none of these are classed as invasive. Native species generally have smaller fruit than the Himalayan blackberry. Grown commercially, the Prime Jim and Prime Jan have proven to be non-invasive and good for fruit production and have been recommended for homeowners who want a small crop of blackberries that grow on plants that they can easily control.