Pacific blackberry

Description:

Also known as California blackberry and Trailing blackberry is plant native to western North America. Branches are prickly and produce white fragrant flowers. Plant can reach 1.5 mt. and produces edible fruit in the summer.

Habitat:

Spotted at the edge of a mixed forest.

Notes:

Native Americans historically ate fresh blackberries in summer. Fruit was dried and combined with meat to make cakes which were eaten in winter. Unripened berries were soaked in water to make a cool refreshing drink, and leaves or vines were used in making teas. Roots were boiled in water to make various medicinal preparations. The fruit and stems of many blackberries have also been used to produce various tonics or medicines. Pacific blackberry is an important cover plant for many birds and animals. Elk and deer eat the leaves in the fall and winter when food is scarce.