Rubus setosus
Rubus setosus
Bristly Blackberry
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Description
Rubus setosus, known for its bristly canes, is a hardy native bramble that forms small thickets and bears flavorful black berries in summer. Tough, wildlife-friendly, and easy to grow in full sun to part shade.
Common Names
Bristly BlackberryBristly BrambleSetose Blackberry
Context
nativeRegion
Northeastern North America (eastern Canada and the northeastern/Great Lakes United States).
usdaZones
3-7
companionPlants
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry), Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry), Sambucus canadensis (Elderberry), Solidago spp. (Goldenrod), Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)
culturalUses
Edible berries for fresh eating, jams, and syrups; excellent wildlife food and cover; useful for naturalized hedgerows and erosion control. Leaves have traditional astringent herbal uses.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun for best fruit; tolerates part shade (at least 4–6 hours of sun).
WateringKeep evenly moist, about 1 inch/week. More water during flowering and fruiting; avoid waterlogged soils.
SoilWell-drained loam or sandy loam, moderately fertile, pH 5.5–7.0; enrich with organic matter.
FertilizerTop-dress with compost in early spring; optional low-nitrogen berry fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) at bud-break. Avoid heavy nitrogen mid-season.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity; good air circulation helps prevent disease.
TemperatureHardy to USDA Zone 3; optimal growth in cool–temperate climates (60–80°F/15–27°C during the season).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous, thicket-forming shrub with arching, bristly canes; spreads by suckers and tip-layering.
Mature Size3–6 ft tall, 4–8 ft spread depending on training and site.
Growth RateFast, vigorous grower.
BloomingWhite 5-petaled flowers late spring to early summer; fruits ripen mid to late summer.
DormancyWinter deciduous; canes are biennial—first-year primocanes, second-year floricanes that flower and fruit then die.
Propagation
MethodsTip layering, Suckers/division, Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed (cold stratified)
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonLayering in late summer; move suckers in early spring or fall; softwood cuttings late spring to early summer; hardwood cuttings late winter.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent floricanes after fruiting. In late winter, thin primocanes to 4–6 strongest per linear foot and tip to encourage laterals; remove weak, crossing, or diseased canes.
RepottingBest grown in-ground; for containers, shift up 1–2 in. every 2 years in early spring using a sturdy, well-drained mix.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, spider mites, cane borers, Japanese beetles, and spotted-wing drosophila; diseases include anthracnose, cane blight, powdery mildew, rust, and verticillium wilt. Use clean pruning, good spacing, and drip irrigation.
ToxicityNon-toxic to people and pets; prickles can cause mechanical injury. Fruit and leaves generally considered safe (leaves mildly astringent).
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