This native multi-stemmed shrub in the Rose family suckers freely to form a hedge and produces sweet, juicy berries perfect for eating fresh or in pies and jams. The 4 to 8 foot erect, red-purple canes arch downward and re-root in the ground. They grow leaves in the first year and produce the thimble-shaped fruits in the second year. At the same time, the roots produce new, first-year canes to keep the colony growing. Allegheny blackberry grows best in full sun or light shade and rich, fertile soils, although it tolerates clay and rocky soils. 
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 4-8' tall and 4-10' wide.
 
Prefers full sun or light shade.
 
Prefers average, acidic, well-drained soils, including clay, loamy, and shallow rocky. Tolerant of occasional drought conditions. Intolerant of alkaline or wet soils.
 
Flowers May-June. 
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 146 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including specialist lettered habrosyne, large lace-border, Isabella tiger moth, and white-lined sphinx. 
 
Resources:
 
North Carolina Extension
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rubus-allegheniensis/#:~:text=It%20grows%20easily%20and%20quickly,tipped%20hairs%20covering%20the%20branches
 
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