Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Rubus fruticosus
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| Common Names: |
European Blackberry, Bramble
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| Key Name: |
Blackberry
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, fruit, root
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| Sister Plants: |
Rubus idaeus, Rubus occidentalis, Rubus caesius
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| Comments: |
Thorny shrub with significant pollinator support; globally abundant
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Thorny shrub (3-10 ft), prickly arching stems, serrated oval leaves, white to pink flowers, black berries
|
| Stem: |
Prickly, green to brown, arching
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| Leaves: |
Oval, serrated, 2-5 inches, dark green with white underside
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| Flowers: |
White to pink, 5-petaled flowers in clusters, blooming May-July
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| Fruit: |
Black berries, 1-2 cm, ripening July-September
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| Taste: |
Sweet-tart (fruit), astringent (leaves)
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| Odour: |
Mild, fruity scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous, shallow root system; spreads via rhizomes
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Europe, North America, naturalized worldwide
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| Cultivation: |
Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade; propagate by cuttings
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| Harvest: |
Leaves: Summer; Fruit: Late summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for diarrhea, sore throat, urinary issues, and as an antioxidant; leaves for oral health
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| Constituents: |
Tannins, anthocyanins, vitamin C, ellagic acid
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin
|
| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water; Fruit: 10-20 berries daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or raw fruit; External: Poultice for skin
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| Formulas: |
Combine with sage for sore throat; with rosehip for antioxidants
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid excessive use; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes; Tincture: Steep 1 part leaves in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for digestive support or wound treatment in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Wood for crafts, dye from fruit, wildlife food
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| Culinary Uses: |
Fruit eaten fresh, dried, or in jams; leaves in teas
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| History: |
Used in European and Native American herbal traditions for centuries
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubus+fruticosus
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| Share: |
Private
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