Water
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during fruiting. Water deeply at the base of the plant when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Reduce watering in late fall as growth slows.
Also known as Canada Blackberry · Canadian Blackberry · Canadian Bramble
Rubus canadensis, the Smooth Blackberry, is a deciduous shrub producing edible berries. It's a vigorous grower native to North America, often found in moist woodlands and
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production.
Regular
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development. Water deeply at the base.
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
Temperate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Requires a chilling period for good fruit set.
Moderate
50% intensity
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during fruiting. Water deeply at the base of the plant when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Reduce watering in late fall as growth slows.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or weak canes. Thin out overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.
Canes that fruited the previous year should be cut back to the ground.
Easily propagated by tip layering. Bend a long, flexible cane to the ground and bury the tip in moist soil. Once rooted, typically in the following spring, sever the cane from the parent plant and transplant.
Young plants or those grown in containers benefit from repotting every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot that is at least 10-15 cm larger than the current one.
Ensure good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Smooth Blackberry (Rubus canadensis)
Where Smooth Blackberry (Rubus canadensis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rubus |
| Species | Rubus canadensis |
Similar in genus Rubus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data