Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Rubus fruticosus
|
| Common Names: |
European Blackberry, Bramble
|
| Key Name: |
Blackberry
|
| Parts Used: |
Leaves, fruit, root
|
| Sister Plants: |
Rubus idaeus, Rubus occidentalis, Rubus caesius
|
| Comments: |
Thorny shrub with significant pollinator support; globally abundant
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Rosales |
| Family |
Rosaceae |
Genus |
Rubus |
| Species |
fruticosus |
NCBI Tax ID |
211815
|
| Organism |
|
|
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
|
| Leaves: |
Oval, serrated, 2-5 inches, dark green with white underside
|
| Flowers: |
White to pink, 5-petaled flowers in clusters, blooming May-July
|
| Fruit: |
Black berries, 1-2 cm, ripening July-September
|
| Taste: |
Sweet-tart (fruit), Astringent (Leaves)
|
| Odour: |
Mild, fruity scent from flowers
|
| Root: |
Fibrous, shallow root system; spreads via rhizomes
|
| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Europe, North America, naturalized worldwide
|
| Cultivation: |
Prefers well-drained soil, full Sun to partial shade; propagate by cuttings
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves: Summer; Fruit: Late summer
|
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
|
| Constituents: |
Class="enCy-Constituent-link" data-Cid="31" title="Tannins">Tannins, Class="enCy-Constituent-link" data-Cid="27" title="AnthoCyanins">AnthoCyanins, Class="enCy-Constituent-link" data-Cid="33" title="Vitamin C">Vitamin C, Class="enCy-Constituent-link" data-Cid="119" title="ellagiC aCid (ellagiC aCid)">ellagiC aCid
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), glycerin
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water; Fruit: 10-20 berries daily
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or raw fruit; External: Poultice for skin
|
| Formulas: |
Combine with sage for Sore Throat; with rosehip for antioxidants
|
| 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
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for Digestive support or wound treatment in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
|
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
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubus+fruticosus
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| Share: |
Private
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