California Blackberry (Rubus macropetalus)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named forms. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation
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.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a tea.
Medicinal uses
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints.
Material uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Habitat
Field banks and disturbed areas below 1300 metres in California.
Native range
Western N. America - British Columbia to California.