Sawtooth blackberry (Rubus argutus, Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt. 2: 60 (1822))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Link

Bibliography: Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt. 2: 60 (1822)

Year: 1822

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rubus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Sawtooth Blackberry (Rubus argutus)

The Sawtooth Blackberry, known scientifically as Rubus argutus, is a robust species belonging to the Rosaceae family. First described by the botanist Link in his 1822 publication, “Enumeratio Hortorum Berolinensium Alter,” this species has established its presence predominantly in the central and eastern regions of the United States.

Botanical Description

Sawtooth Blackberry is a deciduous shrub renowned for its vigorous growth and distinctive, arching canes that can reach impressive lengths. The plant is named for its notably serrated leaves, which possess a characteristic sawtooth edge. These leaves are typically compound, comprising 3 to 5 leaflets, each with a textured, dark green surface that provides a lush backdrop to the plant’s aesthetic appeal.

Flowers and Fruits

In spring and early summer, Sawtooth Blackberry produces clusters of delicate white or pale pink flowers. These blooms, approximately 2-3 centimeters in diameter, are vital pollinators’ attractions, thanks to their sweet nectar. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to the familiar blackberry fruits. Initially green, they ripen through shades of red before reaching their final deep black hue, offering a sweet and slightly tart flavor cherished in fresh and culinary uses.

Habitat and Distribution

Rubus argutus thrives in a variety of habitats across central and eastern United States. It is particularly common in open woodlands, forest edges, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and clearings. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in both full sun and partial shade, demonstrating a high degree of adaptability.

Ecological Importance

Beyond its appeal to humans, the Sawtooth Blackberry plays a significant role in its ecosystem. The dense thickets it forms offer shelter and food to various wildlife species. Birds and small mammals are particularly fond of the berries, while the plant’s dense foliage provides protective cover. Moreover, the flowers are crucial for bees and other insects, supporting pollinator populations essential for ecological balance.

Cultivation and Uses

Cultivating Rubus argutus can be both rewarding and straightforward, given its hardy nature. Gardeners appreciate its ability to provide both aesthetic value and practical yield. The berries can be harvested for fresh eating, baking, preserves, and more. When cultivating this plant, it is important to manage its growth to prevent excessive spreading, as it can quickly dominate a garden space via its root suckers and vigorous cane development.

Conclusion

Sawtooth Blackberry, with its botanical and ecological attributes, stands as a versatile and valuable plant both in natural and managed landscapes. Recognized for its distinctive serrated leaves and delicious berries, Rubus argutus continues to thrive across the central and eastern United States, maintaining its significance within the biosphere and its utility to humans. Whether left to grow in the wild or cultivated, this plant undoubtedly commands appreciation for its resilience and benefits.

Common Names

Eng: prickly florida blackberry, sawtooth blackberry, southern blackberry
En: Sawtooth blackberry, Southern blackberry, Prickly Florida blackberry, Blackberry, Saw-Tooth Blackberry

Synonyms

• Rubus penetrans (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus incisifrons (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus louisianus (A.Berger)
• Rubus floridensis (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus canadensis var. invisus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus koehnei (H.Lév.)
• Rubus betulifolius (Small)
• Rubus mauicola (Focke)
• Rubus flagellaris var. invisus ((L.H.Bailey) L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus abundiflorus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus invisus ((L.H.Bailey) Britton)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Richard Lapointe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Ian Wick (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Deb Deb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Andrea Andrea (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 27, 2020 by Nicole Matz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by k kyrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by sam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Marijke K (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken May 8, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 20, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by k kyrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Taylor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2019 by Luna Dreyar Dreyar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by heyrenee (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Zachary M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by Kimberli Edwards (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 18, 2022 by Becca McCoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by kerri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by k kyrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2015 by EOL − James W. Beck (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken May 22, 2018 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by k kyrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Marijke K (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30046614-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2990801)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rubus argutus Link)

Specifications

Growth