You might be surprised to hear this “berry” delicious plant is invasive.
Himalayan Blackberry (D. Hanna)
You can tell I’m not local just by name,
Though I may not be from where I claim,
With white little flowers and berries so sweet,
There’s no other invasive so yummy to eat.
Despite its name, Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) is likely native to Armenia and Northern Iran, however, some believe it originates from Western Europe or the Himalayas. Its abundance throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor may have fooled you into thinking that the plant has staked its ancient claim to the Pacific Northwest. However, Himalayan Blackberry’s rapid spread in clearings, disturbed sites, roadsides, stream banks, wastelands, pastures, forest plantations, and fence lines indicate its invasiveness.
Himalayan Blackberry can be somewhat challenging to distinguish from its native relative, Trailing Blackberry, or its fellow invasive, Cutleaf Evergreen Blackberry. Nonetheless, you can identify Himalayan Blackberry by its stems, leaves and overall height. For instance, the stems are robust and stiff, with large prickles that can be either hooked or flattened. Leaves are round with tapered edges, and bushes usually grow to around 3 meters tall and 12 meters long. In addition, Himalayan Blackberry boasts small white-pinkish flowers with a 5-petal arrangement.
It’s no surprise we find Himalayan Blackberry around every corner in the southern part of the region, with thickets producing between 7,000- 13,000 seeds per square meter that stay viable in the soil for up to several years. While this is lovely for an impromptu snack, its rapid spread out-competes native plant species, restricts wildlife’s access to resources and limits recreational access.
SSISC strategically controls Himalayan Blackberry in the Squamish area and aims to eradicate it from Whistler and Pemberton. Help us to eliminate this invasive species by reporting sightings.
I Spy in the Sea to Sky Contest
Guess the invasive species in our I Spy in the Sea to Sky series, posted on social media every Monday from June through August, to enter the giveaway. Once a month, one lucky commenter will win a packet of native flowers seed mix.
Contest Rules:
- Comment your guess on either Instagram or Facebook to enter.
- 1 entry per person per post.
- Anyone can play, but only residents of the Sea to Sky region are eligible to win.
- Entry will close at 11:59 PM PST on the last day of each month (in this case July 31st).
- Winners will be announced on the first business day of the next month (August 3rd) and contacted via their platform of entry.
- This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram or Facebook.
Good luck!
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