Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus
All Tasmanians are familiar with blackberry. It is probably the most widespread invasive weed in the state. It occurs in disturbed areas, and for this reason, is often seen along roadsides, tracks, fencelines, degraded pasture and any areas of neglect.
Left uncontrolled, blackberry thickets become impenetrable infestations which smother native vegetation.
TEN have controlled most areas of blackberry infestations along the foreshore, with the exception of a small patch near the Sewerage Works. Taroona Park also has isolated patches, particularly behind the Bowling Green/Skate Park. The THS bushland contains several nasty infestations in its bushland north of the gully.
(photo courtesy DPIPWE website, Klowa Fenner.)
Size
Thickets of blackberry can reach several metres in height and can cover many square metres in area.
Natural Distribution
Introduced to Australia in the early 1830s. Throughout the country, it covers more than 8.8 million hectares. It is native to Europe, North America and Asia.
Habitat Value
Blackberry does provide food and shelter for both pest species (rabbits, feral cats, feral birds) and native animals (penguins and bandicoots). For this reason, where large infestations occur, staged removal of the plant and replacement with native species is performed so that native animals are not left without refuge.