INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTION

Abstract

The Himalayan blackberry is the largest and possibly most invasive, non-native variety of blackberries in the Pacific Northwest. It was first introduced from Europe to the area as a crop plant in the 1800’s. Since then, it has invaded large areas throughout the west coast. It is a perennial plant that can reproduce from seed, root crowns, root pieces, and stem cuttings. A root crown is located at the base of a stem (cane) where nutrients are stored and numerous roots and shoots will emerge. Canes are green or green and red, stiff, angular, and have numerous large thorns. Canes have green leaves that are in groups of three or five, have jagged edges, and are round or oval shaped with a slightly pointed tip. In the second year of growth, a cane develops small white or whitish pink flower clusters that produce edible blackberries. The cane dies at the en