The Weed Wire: Himalayan Blackberry
History and Native Range: Rubus armeniacus, or Himalayan blackberry, is a member of the blackberry group originally native to Armenia and northern Iran. Despite the common name, this species is not from the Himalayas, but came to be called as such due to a misconception of its origin by Luther Burbank, who first introduced the plant to the United States in 1885. After importing seeds from India to Santa Rosa, California, Burbank marketed Himalayan blackberry as “a plant of extreme utility” and made them available for purchase via mail order across the United States. Following massive public demand, Himalayan blackberry soon became widely cultivated throughout the country, and by 1945 it had become an established invasive in the US, along with most other temperate regions of the world.
The Problem Here: While most residents of the Pacific Northwest are plenty familiar with the tenacious, engulfing, rapid-spreading nature of Himalayan blackberry, the environmental threats this species poses are somewhat more complex than just its fast growth rate. Being a prolific producer of highly edible berries, each containing many seeds, Himalayan blackberry easily escapes cultivation through the droppings of animals that consume its berries, especially birds. It is capable of establishing itself in a wide range of environments due to its extensive root system and water-retaining canes, but does especially well in riparian zones, as water is plentiful and the usually dense native vegetation in these areas provides cover for Himalayan blackberry to become established without being easily detected. Eventually, the blackberry grows into a large enough thicket that it drowns out all or most of the surrounding vegetation.
In conjunction with reed canary grass, Himalayan blackberry is largely responsible for the degradation for most watersheds west of the Cascades, especially those in close proximity to residential or agricultural areas. Riparian zones are sensitive environments that host many animal and plant species that cannot be found elsewhere, which are put at risk by the spread of Himalayan blackberry.
Identification: While thickets of Himalayan blackberry are an extremely common sight in Western Oregon, smaller individuals may be difficult to distinguish from the native trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus). While the two species have several differences between them- Himalayan growing in a larger, taller, thicket-like habit as opposed to trailing blackberry’s groundcover habit; the stouter, relatively wide-spaced spines and hexagonal cross-section of mature canes compared to trailing blackberry’s smaller, denser prickles and round vines- these features will not be obvious in young blackberry plants. An often-reliable distinguishing trait is in the leaf groupings, with Himalayan blackberry leaves generally occurring in groups of five and trailing blackberry in groups of three. Still there is a trick in that Himalayan blackberry may sometimes grow its leaves in groups of three, just like the native species. Leaf shape often helps in differentiation: narrow and pointed for native, and rounder for Himalayan.
Himalayan blackberry (left) vs trailing blackberry (right)
Three-leaflet grouping on Himalayan blackberry. Photo by Sarah Ottino
Due to the many overlapping traits between the two species, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with all the distinguishing characteristics rather than relying on just one or two to aid in identification.
Manual Control: In order to effectively remove Himalayan blackberry so as to prevent regrowth, the “root crown” of the plant must be removed from the soil. This is the section below the base of the stem(s) that all roots of the plant branch off from. If the root crown is left in the soil, new canes will simply resprout from it. Once removed, however, the remaining roots are typically unable to produce new canes.
Lincoln SWCD technician displaying a freshly-dug blackberry root crown
If complete removal of Himalayan blackberry is not feasible, mowing is still helpful in preventing further spread of the plant. This is best done during the period after flowering begins, but before fruits have begun to ripen, as cutting the plant back during this period of heightened energy expenditure will weaken it while also preventing the spread of new seeds.
Herbicides: While a wide range of herbicides that are commercially available in Oregon are effective against Himalayan blackberry, herbicide application alone is often not efficient in controlling large infestations. Lincoln SWCD staff have found through previous control efforts that a much more efficient approach is to combine manual and chemical treatment by mowing down blackberry thickets, then spot-treating the freshly regrown sprouts. This method has shown to work faster and with less overall use of herbicides than spraying entire established thickets. Always follow label directions when applying any herbicide products, and consult with a professional if you need assistance in interpreting the label.
Cultural Control: Like mowing, livestock grazing on Himalayan blackberry can be effective in weakening the plant, preventing dispersal of seeds, and preparing an area for chemical treatment or manual removal of root crowns. Sheep, cattle, and horses may graze on fresh shoots and leaves, but goats are the most effective grazer as they will also eat older canes. It is recommended not to graze livestock on blackberry thickets that have already been chemically treated that year.
Links to Information and Studies:
Eat Your Invasives!
It is well known by most Oregonians that, for as much of a nuisance Himalayan blackberry poses, the fruits it offers in late summer make it understandable why this invasive plant was once so valued. If you have access to an area infested with Himalayan blackberry that could not be manually controlled before reaching the fruiting stage, and has not been chemically treated, harvesting the berries for eating can be a very enjoyable way to reduce the amount of seeds available to be spread. The uses for Himalayan blackberries are as endless as the thickets themselves, but we have selected a simple canning recipe as a place to start.
Wild Blackberry Jam:
- 6 cups crushed blackberries
- 49 grams powdered pectin
- 8½ cups sugar
Yield: About 11 or 12 half-pint jars
Procedure: Sterilize canning jars and prepare two-piece canning lids according to manufacturer's directions.
To prepare fruit: Wash fully ripe berries; remove any stems or caps. Crush berries with a potato masher or by pulsing in a blender.
To make jam. Measure crushed berries into a large pot. Add pectin and stir well. Place on high heat and, stirring constantly, bring quickly to a full boil with bubbles over the entire surface. Add sugar, continue stirring, and heat again to a full bubbling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; skim.
Fill hot jam immediately into hot, sterile jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel; adjust two-piece metal canning lids. Process in a Boiling Water Canner.
See the full recipe and detailed water canning instructions at https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/make-jam-jelly/jams/blackberry-jam-pectin/
Oregon Silverspot Butterfly: Successes and Sightings
Pollinator-supporting meadow in Newport, established under Lincoln SWCD’s Habitat Corridor Program
When the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (OSB) Habitat Corridor and Safe Harbor programs launched with Lincoln SWCD- in partnership with USFWS- public interest was immediate. Our District has been hugely fortunate to have connected with so many local landowners who have invested not just their attentions, but their properties as well, in upholding the future of this rare and threatened butterfly. Properties enrolled in these programs support the future reintroduction of the OSB to the area by providing food and nectar sources for both adults and caterpillars, as well as supporting other native pollinators.
While all federal funds expected to be received as part of the Habitat Corridor have been allocated to existing projects, the Safe Harbor Program is still accepting enrollment of properties located on Cascade Head, and between Bray’s Point and Big Creek in Lane County.
Female Oregon Silverspot Butterfly captured for marking by a USFS biologist near Big Creek
This past week, Lincoln SWCD staff were lucky to encounter several wild OSB in the Big Creek meadow complex while accompanying USFS biologists and a KLCC reporter for an upcoming story on recovery efforts for the species. This included one individual that had not yet been marked this season- the 25th one to be spotted this year. While fluctuations in population are a natural occurrence in any species, this year seems to be a harsh one for the OSB; USFS staff said that counts this year are only at about half of what they were by this time in the summer of 2025.
For more information on this program, visit https://www.lincolnswcd.org/district-programs-services/coastal-pollinators-program/
Partner Spotlight
Yakona Nature Preserve
Annie Marion, NRCS Oregon District Conservationist in Lincoln County, and Dr. Natalie Schaefer, Executive Director at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center
On the Central Oregon Coast tucked along the Yaquina Bay, lies a story of perseverance, partnership and a deep commitment to the land. The Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center is a mosaic of forest and tidal land and stands as both a living laboratory and a model of what long-term conservation can achieve.
True to the collaborative spirit that marks any successful conservation effort, the Yakona Native Preserve has fostered partnerships with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, McKenzie River Trust, MidCoast Watersheds Council, Lincoln County Parks, Lincoln SWCD, and many others in the area to benefit both the environment they steward and the youths they educate. Read the full story at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/185829e58c1b41a3a6cd0365bb671736
Upcoming Board Meetings
Our next board meeting will be held on August 13th, 2026 via Zoom. These meetings cover the general business of LSWCD, while also convening to decide the next steps the District will take in overall operations or within specific programs.
For registration assistance or special accommodation call the office (541-265-2631) or email Tyler Clouse (info@lincolnswcd.org).
Board of Directors Meetings take place at least once a month, generally on the second Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. All meetings are open to the public, with the exception of occasional Executive Sessions.
The Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (LSWCD) complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. If you would like to attend a meeting but need special accommodations, please contact us at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.