Black Raspberry - Rubus occidentalis

Black Raspberry is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It is commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains where it naturally grows in a woodland environment. However, it particularly likes disturbed areas and roadsides.

The canes can grow to 6 ft long and will start out erect but then arch toward the ground as they mature. If unmanage, it will develop large colonies of canes, each covered in compound leaves of either a palmate or pinnate arrangement. During autumn, the foliage becomes yellow and, once defoliated, the brown to reddish canes are exposed throughout the winter.

Plant Details - Black Raspberry

Family: Rosaceae

Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 3–6 ft

Spread: 4–8 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Flower Color: White

Fruit: Black

Wildlife Value: Fruits are consumed by birds and mammals

The flower buds of the Black Raspberry are rose-like and emerge in clusters along the canes. Once bloomed, they have 5 narrow petals that are dwarfed by their prominent stamens and pistils. Once pollinated, berries develop first in a purply-pink color and turn black once mature. They attract songbirds, foxes, racoons, and small mammals to feast on the juicy fruit.

The berries are rich in antioxidants and are known for their sweet and tart flavor. While they make a delicious treat, the canes are armed with prickly spines, so watch out! The leaves and stems are edible, as well, and can be used to make a mildly astringent tea to help with digestive issues, and throat or mouth inflammation.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Black Raspberry

It can grow in either full sun or partial shade conditions. While it is a heat tolerant species, intense summer sun can cause the fruit to not develop properly without enough rain. However, fruit setting is less likely when planted in full shade, so planting in the proper sunlight conditions takes time and consideration.

It prefers well-drained, moist soils with high organic matter content. While it does not have serious pest or disease issues, it can be expected that rabbits and deer will browse the leaves but it can tolerate some herbivory.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Edible fruit and leaves, attractive to wildlife, low maintenance

Plant this edible shrub in your garden or along a woodland transition and enjoy delightful berries year after year. Shop for Black Raspberry shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Water Black Raspberry plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch near the bottom to maintain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late winter or early spring to clear dead clubs and encourage healthy growth.

Plant Reproduction

Black Raspberry spreads through root suckers and seeds.

How to Grow and Care for Fruit Trees and Berry Plants

Fruit trees and berry plants bring beauty, fragrance, and delicious harvests to your garden while supporting pollinators and wildlife. To grow them successfully, choose varieties suited to your USDA zone and plant them in full sun—at least 6–8 hours daily—for the best fruit production. Both fruit trees (like apple, peach, and pear) and berry plants (like blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry) thrive in well-draining, compost-enriched soil.

Plant in early spring or fall, spacing according to the plant’s mature size to ensure proper airflow and sunlight. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk or stems.

Prune annually to encourage healthy branching and better yields. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced or fruit-specific blend. With regular care, fruit trees and berry plants reward you with beautiful blooms and sweet, homegrown harvests for years to come.

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