Recognized as a distinct species in the USDA 'Plants Database' https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RULA6, this species is treated as a synonym of Rubus pensilvanicus Poir., in the Flora of N. America[].
The genus Rubus, (especially the blackberries, which are often loosely referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg.) presents some of the most difficult taxonomic problems. This is partly due to the frequency of polyploidy; also to the frequent occurrence of hybridization; and also due to apomixis, where minor differences between plants are preserved because seedlings are genetically identical to their parent. As a result, differences of opinion on the number of species to be recognized from a given region can vary tremendously (for example, a treatment by M. L. Fernald[] in 1950 recognized 205 species for the northern half of the eastern United States plus parts of southeastern Canada, whilst H. A. Gleason and A. Cronquist in 1991 recognized only 25)[]. Where possible, a relatively conservative approach is taken here[].

Common Name: Plains Blackberry

General Information

Rubus laudatus is a deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of erect to arching, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the stems can be 100 - 300cm long[]. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth, forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting. The plant can form large thickets of growth in the wild.
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop, especially in the USA, there are several named cultivars[].
Introduced into Australia as a fruit crop, the plant has escaped from cultivation and become established in the wild[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern and central N. America - Minnesota to new York, south to Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia

Habitat

Thickets, borders of woods, clearings etc[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Apomictic
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
The plant produces apomictic flowers, these produce fruit and viable seed without fertilization, each seedling is a genetic copy of the parent[].
This species is sometimes cultivated, especially in the USA, there are several named cultivars including 'Kenoyer' and probably 'Early Harvest'.[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The black, globose to cylindrical fruit is around 10 - 20mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Most, if not all, thicket-forming species of Rubus have good erosion control value. They usually grow satisfactorily on barren and infertile soils and invade and occupy eroded areas. They also establish quickly on burns, old fields, and logged areas. Forming extensive and nearly impenetrable thickets, they can provide excellent cover for wildlife as well as nesting sites for small birds. They are often natural pioneer species, paving the way for woodlands to develop, but they should only really be used within their native range in order to avoid any risks of them invading other habitats[, ].

Other Uses

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].