Herb: Highbush Blackberry


Latin name: Rubus argutus


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Highbush Blackberry:

The roots are antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, astringent, stimulant and tonic. An infusion can be used in the treatment of venereal disease and as a wash in the treatment of piles. An infusion of the roots or leaves can be used in the treatment of diarrhoea and rheumatism.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
2.5 m
(8 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Dry or moist thickets and woodland margins.

Edible parts of Highbush Blackberry:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Variable in size and quality but generally with rather large and juicy drupelets. The pulpy fruit is up to 25mm long.

Other uses of the herb:

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Propagation of Highbush Blackberry:

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°C and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry or moist thickets and woodland margins.

Known hazards of Rubus argutus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.