Herb: California Blackberry


Latin name: Rubus macropetalus


Synonyms: Rubus ursinus macropetalus


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of California Blackberry:

An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Field banks and disturbed areas below 1300 metres in California.

Edible parts of California Blackberry:

Fruit - raw or cooked. It can also be dried for later use. The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a tea.

Other uses of the herb:

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

Propagation of California 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:

Field banks and disturbed areas below 1300 metres in California.

Known hazards of Rubus macropetalus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.