Allegheny Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Zones 2–13
Growing
Establishing a thicket of Allegheny blackberry often begins with planting nursery stock or using cuttings to create a dense, woody structure. Because this species is shade intolerant, you will find the best results when providing plenty of light, as the plant naturally thrives in areas where taller vegetation has been cleared. When you provide regular watering and ensure the soil remains evenly moist, the canes will develop into an erect, brambly mass.
As the shrub matures, it tends to form dense, interlocking thickets rather than staying as isolated plants. This growth habit makes them excellent for creating natural barriers or screens, though you should be mindful of the many prickles on the canes if you are planting near walkways. In a garden setting, these brambles can act as a vital part of the understory, though they may compete with or be outcompeted by certain ferns depending on the local wildlife and light levels. If you are growing them in containers, ensure the vessel allows for the development of this robust, woody shrub.
| Sun | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Grow time | — |
| Height | 3–6ft |
| Spacing | >24in |
| Full sun | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Part shade | ✓ |
| Shade | ✓ |
| Life cycle | perennial |
|---|---|
| Category | berry |
| Growth habit | shrub |
| Frost tolerance | hardy |
| Height | 3–6ft |
| Spacing | over 24in |
| Days to bloom | over 150 |
| Native us | ✓ |
| Water | medium |
|---|---|
| Drainage | moist |
| Soil ph min | 5.5 |
| Soil ph max | 7.0 |
| Propagation | |
| Seed | ✓ |
| Cutting | ✓ |
| Division | ✗ |
| Graft | ✗ |
| Tuber bulb crown | ✗ |
| Transplant | ✓ |
| Container ok | ✓ |
| Spread | self seeds |
| Deer resistant | ✗ |
| Drought tolerant | ✓ |
| Toxic to | |
| People | ✗ |
| Pets | ✗ |
| Livestock | ✗ |
| Length | under 2wk |
|---|---|
| Colors | |
| White | ✓ |
| Yellow | ✗ |
| Orange | ✗ |
| Red | ✗ |
| Pink | ✗ |
| Purple | ✗ |
| Blue | ✗ |
| Green | ✗ |
| Visitors | |
|---|---|
| Honey bees | ✓ |
| Native bees | ✓ |
| Bumblebees | ✓ |
| Butterflies | ✓ |
| Moths | ✓ |
| Hummingbirds | ✗ |
| Beneficial insects | ✓ |
| Nectar | medium |
| Pollen | medium |
| Larval host | ✓ |
| Specialist bees | ✓ |
| Seed for birds | ✓ |
| Status | none |
|---|---|
| Regions | |
| Northeast | ✗ |
| Southeast | ✗ |
| Midwest | ✗ |
| Plains | ✗ |
| Southwest | ✗ |
| Mountain west | ✗ |
| Pacific northwest | ✗ |
| California | ✗ |
| Hawaii | ✗ |
| State noxious | ✗ |
| Escapes cultivation | ✗ |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Harvest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
References: Wikipedia · how this data is made