Blackberries (Rubus spp.) are perennial weeds that are often referred to as "brambles." They have an upright and vining growth habit that can completely take over waste areas when not controlled. Blackberries have prickles on the stems and leaves, and deep taproots that make chemical control difficult. Distinctive berries form in the late summer, turning from red to black in color as the season progresses.

Perennial broadleaf turf weeds are capable of living more than two years. They thrive in weak, thin turf; golf fairways and roughs; home lawns; playfields; and industrial grounds. Proper turf maintenance is the key to control of this weed. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • perennial weed
• GROWTH HABIT
  • upright; vining
• LEAFLET NUMBER
  • three
• LEAF MARGIN
  • serrated/toothed
• LEAF HAIRS
  • leaf hairs are present, along with distinctive thorns on the leaves and stems
• LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
  • oval/egg-shaped/elliptical
    Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6
• LEAF WIDTH
  • 1 - 2 inches
• LEAF VENATION
  • pinnate
• LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • alternate
• ROOT TYPE
  • taproot
• FLOWER COLOR
  • white

Figure 1. Blackberry growth habit.

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Figure 1. Blackberry growth habit.

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Figure 2. Blackberry growth habit.

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Figure 2. Blackberry growth habit.

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Figure 3. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 3. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 4. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 4. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 5. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 5. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 6. Blackberry leaf shape.

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Figure 6. Blackberry leaf shape.

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