Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
Blackberry
A scrambling prickly shrub, up to three metres tall. Stems are erect, arching and covered with numerous prickles. Leaves are dark green with a lighter underside. White or pink flowers in summer are followed by black fruit. Roots can spread for metres making mature plants difficult to dig out.
Treatment methods
- Dig out (small patches only). Dispose of root crowns and rhizomes.
- Spray: Escort; or Tordon Brushkiller; or Grazon, all at label application rates, in late summer to autumn. If you are spraying regrowth, make sure the stems are at least one metre long and have fully grown leaves to allow maximum chemical absorption.
Good control of blackberry relies on the herbicide being absorbed by the leaves through to the extensive roots and therefore there needs to be enough large leaves on the plant to take in the herbicide.