What is blackberry?
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) was deliberately introduced into New South Wales from Britain in the 1840s for its fruit and for making hedgerows. Shortly after, it escaped into the wild and by the 1880s was recognised as a significant weed.
Blackberry is most common in south-eastern New South Wales. The weed thrives in a wide range of habitats, invading both grazing lands and natural ecosystems. Blackberry fruit and seeds are spread by birds and foxes and in waterways such as creeks.
Blackberry has been declared a noxious weed in NSW and is also listed as a Weed of National Significance.
Why is blackberry a problem?
Blackberry impacts the environment and agriculture. Blackberry forms dense thickets that exclude native species, leading to its complete dominance of the vegetation understorey and eventually the canopy. The thickets also limit people’s access, alter fire regimes and dominate the landscape.