How Do You Buy Wild Blackberry Bushes?
There are more than 400 species of blackberries in North America according to Richard Ashton, the author of several books on fruit growing including “The Incredible Pomegranate – Plant and Fruit.” Wild blackberries, also called brambles, tend to be more trailing, while cultivated blackberries have thicker, stronger erect stems called canes. Hybrid varieties have also been developed which have larger plumper berries. Some species are even thornless. Some wild blackberry species, like the Himalaya, are considered pests because they can become invasive and smother existing plant growth. Wild blackberries are an excellent food source for birds and other small animals, as well as for people who carefully harvest the wild berries while avoiding pricks from the sharp thorns. Contact your local or statewide Agricultural and Natural Resources department (click on the link in the Resources section below), to find out which species of wild blackberry bushes will make good candidates for your area
