California Blackberry, Rubus ursinus

Many stamens or many pistils. The cone-shaped receptacle is covered with pistils each of which becomes fleshy at maturity, and as a group, form the edible fruit. Cultivated at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, CA. 4-10-11. © Joan Avise	California Blackberry Rubus ursinus A widespread native sprawling vine with prickly stems from 3-6 ft. long, found in open disturbed areas, riparian woodlands and moist shaded habitats; generally with separate male and female plants (dioecious). Plants are eaten by deer, and the berries are enjoyed by many bird species. Native Americans used dried berries mixed with dried meat to make nutritious cakes known as pemmican, an important food source for fur traders in the US and Canada. Bloom time- Feb.- June. Rosaceae Back to Rosaceae of Orange County, California Back to Eudicots of Orange County, California Back to Natural History of Orange County, California
Sepals-5, hairy, prickly, persistent. Petals-5 white, shorter in pistillate flowers. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Laguna Niguel, CA. 4-18-09. © Joan Avise	Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange, CA. 3-14-09. © Joan Avise
Relatively few, small fruits (Clarke). Cultivated at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, CA. 4-10-11. © Joan Avise	Cultivated at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, CA. 4-10-11. © Joan Avise
Sawtoothed leaves can be deeply lobed, and may appear entire or with three leaflets. Bristles or prickles many, weak, slender and straight. Ripening fruit, will be black at maturity; cultivated at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, CA. 6-7-10. © Joan Avise	Male plant. Mt. Diablo State Park, Contra Costa Co., CA. 6-20-09. © Joan Avise