Managing Himalayan blackberry in western Oregon riparian areas

Abstract

Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, formerly Rubus discolor and Rubus procerus) is a European shrub that was introduced in the United States as a crop in the late 19th century. It escaped cultivation and has since invaded a variety of sites, including low-elevation streamside areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. Listed as a noxious weed in Oregon, Himalayan blackberry rapidly occupies disturbed areas, is very difficult to eradicate once established, and tends to out-compete native vegetation. For those trying to restore or enhance native streamside vegetation, Himalayan blackberry control is a major problem.