USDA 

... 

a 

United States Department ofAgriculture 

Field Guide for Managing

Himalayan Blackberry

in the Southwest 

Forest Southwestern 

Service Region TP-R3-16-25 Revised June 2017 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cover Photos 

Top left: Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org 

Right: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org 

Lower left: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org 

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Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus Focke; synonyms: R. discolor, R. procerus) 

Rose family (Rosaceae) 

Himalayan blackberry was introduced into the U.S. in the 

late 1800s for cultivation and has since naturalized and 

spread out beyond planted areas. Oregon lists Himalayan 

blackberry as a noxious weed, and the California Invasive 

Plant Council rates this species as highly invasive. It is 

increasingly becoming a problem in riparian areas of the 

Southwest. 

This field guide serves as the U.S. Forest Service’s 

recommendations for management of Himalayan 

blackberry in bottomland areas associated with its 

Southwestern Region. The Southwestern Region covers 

Arizona and New Mexico, which together have 11 

national forests. The Region also administers 4 national 

grasslands located in northeastern New Mexico, western 

Oklahoma, and the Texaspanhandle. 

Description 

Himalayan blackberry (synonym: Armenian blackberry)is 

a vigorous, sprawling, vine-like evergreen shrub native to 

western Europe. It is common in the Pacific Northwest 

and is expanding its range throughout the western United 

States. It produces a sweet, edible, berry-like fruit and is 

both a valued cultivated plant as well as a rapidly 

spreading invasive weed. It easily spreads vegetatively 

and by seed. Himalayan blackberry can be distinguished 

from other blackberry species by the whitish color on the 

back of its compound leaf. It generally has 3 to 5 distinct 

leaflets (each one toothed and usually oval); arching, 

reddish-brown, strongly angled canes with straight or 

curved thorns; and large flowers and fruit. 

Growth Characteristics 

• Perennial, creeping evergreen shrub with prickly 

green to reddish-brown ribbed stems (called canes). 

• Large, deep, woody root crowns. Each ball-like root 

crown sprouts multiple canes and readily re-sprouts 

when cut or burned. 

• Canes grow to 15 feet tall before arching over to 

form trailing vines up to 40 feet long; canes ribbed 

and reddish with cat claw-like thorns that have thick 

bases; first year canes become smooth as they age. 

• Canes are biennial; first year canes grow from buds 

at or below the ground surface and only produce 

leaves. In the second year, lateral branches grow 

from the leaf axils of the first year canes. These 

second year branches produce both flowers and 

leaves. Canes that have not produced fruit may exist 

for several years before doing so. Canes that 

produce fruit typically die at the end of the season 

and become part of an intricate support for the next 

generation of canes. Interwoven canes form vast, 

seemingly impenetrable mounds referred to as 

“brambles.” 

• Leaves of first year canes are palmately compound 

(3 to 7 inches long) and have 5 oval leaflets with 

serrate leaf edges and a narrow tip. The underside of 

each leaflet is whitish and slightly hairy with a 

prickled mid-rib. Each leaf stem (called a petiole) 

also has prickles. Second year canes have only 3 

leaflets, and each leaflet is smaller than those on the 

first year canes. 

• White or pinkish, 5-petaled flowers develop usually 

from June to August during the second year. 

Flowers have broad petals that measure 1-inch 

across. 

• Fruits are small drupes that grow closely together in 

a cluster that resembles a berry; reddish and hard, 

but softens and becomes black and shiny as fruit 

ripens in August and September. Seeds are 

produced every year and typically are spread in the 

fall. Seed remains viable in the soil for several years 

and requires some scarification to germinate. 

• Reproduces asexually (fertilization not required) by 

seed and vegetatively by root or stem suckers. Cane 

tips can take root and produce daughter plants; 

trailing canes also root at nodes. Seedlings grow at a 

much slower rate than daughter plants. 

1 
Impacts/Threats 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site/Distribution 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spread 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invasive Features 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecology 

Himalayan blackberry rapidly displaces native plant 

species and produces thickets so dense that the lack of light 

severely limits understory plant growth. Native vegetation 

growing beneath Himalayan blackberry becomes highly 

suppressed from shading and crowding. The dense, prickly 

thickets also hinder control efforts and impede access for 

humans, wildlife, and livestock. When growing near 

waterways, the species may worsen streambank erosion 

since itsrelatively shallow roots do not stabilize soils as do 

other, more desirable native riparian vegetation. Although 

Himalayan blackberry provides some low quality habitat 

for wildlife, it generally reduces diversity of flora and 

fauna species and decreases land value. 

Himalayan blackberry favors lowland riparian corridors 

near agricultural, rural, or urbanized areas. The species 

may also be found along roadsides, railroad tracks, 

abandoned fields and other open, disturbed sites with 

adequate soil moisture. It does not tolerate deep shade, 

excessively dry soils, or extremely cold temperatures. 

Himalayan blackberry is known to be present in seven 

Arizona counties and three counties in New Mexico. In 

Arizona, Himalayan blackberry typically prefers elevations 

lower than 6,000 feet. 

Himalayan blackberry reproduces and spreads in a variety 

of ways. New plants start from the crown (the base of the 

plant), rhizomes (horizontal and underground shoots), and 

seed that germinates in spring and fall. It roots at cane tips 

and at nodes to form daughter plants (i.e., new shoots). 

Buried root buds also sprout new canes. Since its fruit is 

palatable for both humans and wildlife; the seed is easily 

dispersed by water, humans, birds, and small mammals. 

Canes, stems, roots, and seed are often spread over long 

distances by adhering to surfaces and undercarriages of 

road vehicles and road maintenance equipment. 

Himalayan blackberry is a strong competitor. It thrives in 

open areas and is often an early invader of cleared forested 

areas after logging. New canes are produced each year 

from the crown to replace those that die naturally. The 

specieshas a tough woody root crown that readily resprouts in response to disturbance. Flowers and fruits are 

produced late in the growing season which promotes seed 

production. Many birds and other wildlife seek out the fruit 

and are responsible for spreading the seed widely. 

Management 

A combination of control methods is most effective at 

achieving long-term control for Himalayan blackberry. A 

long-term commitment to monitoring and follow-up 

treatments is especially important. Complete eradication in 

all situations may not be possible; however, persistent control 

efforts coupled with managing the recovery of desirable 

plants can restore ecological health to a site and help deter 

future invasions. 

Table 1 describes a four-step control process that has been 

used with some success to manage Himalayan blackberry 

in suitable areas. The four-step control process uses a 

combination of physical, chemical, and cultural methods 

that essentially control Himalayan blackberry by: 

1. Preparing the site by removing aboveground 

portions of the plant; 

2. Removing or killing the root system; 

3. Planning for introduction of desirable species; and 

4. Monitoring and performing follow-up treatments on 

newly emerged seedlings and regrowth. 

Further information on physical, cultural, biological, and 

chemical methods that can be used to control Himalayan 

blackberry are described after the table. Depending on 

certain circumstances and scenarios, step 2 in the table can 

be performed before step 1. For example, herbicide may be 

used as a first step for controlling mature blackberry 

thickets to maximize root kill; at a later point of time, the 

standing top growth can be cut, mown, mulched, or burned 

to remove debris. 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Four-step control process* 

Step Site Action Control Type Method Options Timing 

1 

Any Remove 

aboveground 

portion of the 

plant. 

If desirable plants 

are present, 

consider flagging 

them so they are 

not accidently cut. 

Physical Mow using a tractor-mounted 

mower or scythe. Allow cut 

material to dry in the sun or 

rake and stack debris for later 

burning. 

Hand cut or slash isolated 

plants using brush cutters, 

power saws, axes, machetes, 

loppers, and clippers. 

Mid-summer when plants begin 

to flower. 

Sites with small Remove root Physical For plants up to 13 feet tall, a Right after removal of 

infestations, crowns and roots. claw mattock or Pulaski can aboveground portion. 

2 

sensitive areas, or 

where desirable 

plants are present. 

be used to remove root crown. 

Then hand dig rootstock while 

making sure to remove every 

piece of root. 

Most feasible on sandy or deep 

loamy soils; for sizeable patches, 

consider using a work party. 

Sites with large 

infestations or 

where Himalayan 

blackberry is the 

only species 

present. 

Kill top growth, 

root crown, and 

roots. 

Chemical/ 

Physical 

Apply foliar spray to mature, 

uncut blackberries. Spray 

using a broadcast application 

approach (ATV, tractormounted sprayer, or backpack 

sprayer). Follow up 6 months 

to 1 year later by removing 

dead top growth through 

mowing, shredding, or 

burning. 

Spray when leaves are fully 

expanded and the foliage is dark 

green, either before first flower or 

after fruit drop. 

If top growth is removed by 

mowing, shredding, or burning 

before spraying, then allow canes 

to regrow for 1 or 2 years or at 

least until 18 inches tall before 

spraying. 

3 

Any Plant or seed 

desired species 

upon site. 

Cultural If desirable species are already 

present on the site, removal of 

blackberry competition may 

allow natural restoration. In 

If planting, do so immediately 

following step 2 treatment. 

other instances, planting or 

seeding may be necessary. 

4 

Any Use follow-up 

treatments on 

seedlings and/or 

re-sprouts. 

Physical Hoe or hand grub young 

seedlings. 

Before first year canes can root at 

tips or become second year canes. 

Chemical Use spot spraying on re-sprouts. Depends upon herbicide selected. 

See table 2. 

* Choice of a particular management option must be in compliance with existing regulations for the land resource. 

3 
 

 

 

 

Manual Methods 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prescribed Fire 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. 

Physical Control 

For most infestations, using only physical methods will 

not adequately control Himalayan blackberry. Instead, 

consider using a combined control approach with the 

ultimate goal of restoring native plants. 

Hand pulling – For seedlings and young, isolated 

plants less than 3 feet tall, pull canes and shoots from 

the soil with gloved hands. There must be sufficient soil 

moisture to allow easy removal of the entire root. If the 

cane breaks off at the surface when hand pulling, use 

hoeing or digging to remove roots. 

Hand hoeing – For seedlings and smaller plants (canes 

up to 13 feet in length), use a claw mattock or grub hoe 

to pry and extract the root crown and roots from the 

soil. Plunge hoe into the ground 3 to 5 inches away 

from the cane, then lever the root crown out (similar to 

removing a nail with the claw end of a hammer). Leave 

roots out to dry in the sun. For canes closer to the 13-

foot length, consider cutting to a height of 6 to 8 inches 

before extracting roots. 

Hand digging – For small infestations or individual 

plants growing near the base of desirable shrubs and 

trees, use a round-point shovel to dig out every part of 

the root crown and rootstock. This method is effective 

only if all parts of the root are removed, since any root 

nodes left in the soil will likely re-sprout. 

Cutting – To remove aboveground portions of 

Himalayan blackberry, cut with hand-held tools such as 

brush cutters, hedge trimmers, loppers, clippers, power 

saws, axes, or machetes. Removal of canes will not 

provide control; however, cutting canes is an important 

component in combination with other methods. 

Mechanical Methods 

If using machinery to manage Himalayan blackberry, 

the equipment should be cleaned after use to prevent 

movement of seed into un-infested areas. 

Mowing – Cutting or chopping the top growth of 

Himalayan blackberry will stimulate formation of 

suckers from lateral roots and induce further branching 

and cane production. Mowing should only be done as a 

short-term suppression practice to be used in areas with 

gentle topography (slopes are not over 30 percent), few 

obstacles (logs, stumps, boulders, etc.), and where soils 

are not highly prone to erosion, compaction, or 

excessive moisture. Repeated mowing over multiple 

years may suppress growth but will not keep the top 

growth from rapidly returning. A tractor-mounted 

mower is ideal for larger populations on level terrain; a 

hand-held weed-eater is sufficient for smaller 

populations. Cut top growth early in the growing season 

and again when the plants are about 18 inches high. 

Cuttings may be raked, burned, or left as mulch onsite. 

Mowing is best used in combination with other methods 

such as (1) foliar application of a herbicide on 18-inch 

regrowth; (2) hand removing roots and root crowns; or 

(3) using a cut-stump application of herbicide to the 

canes at the time of mowing. 

Tillage – Single cultivation by plowing, disking,or 

bulldozing can be counterproductive since cutting 

surface roots and canes stimulates new growth and may 

spread the infestation. Repeated deep tillage is used to 

keep Himalayan blackberry out of agricultural fields, 

but this approach is usually impractical in wildland 

areas. Deep plowing and root raking after mowing 

might be considered in certain situations depending on 

terrain and soil type or depth. However, soil disturbance 

caused by cultivation will require follow-up control and 

immediate reseeding of desirable plants. 

Himalayan blackberry grows back vigorously following 

fire, and fruit production is especially abundant after a 

burn. For these reasons, burning is rarely recommended 

as a control practice either alone or in combination with 

other methods. However, fire can be used as a means to 

dispose of cut and dried debris. In certain situations, fire 

might be used to provide short-term canopy reduction 

that will allow other control measures (such as 

herbicide spraying) to be made. 

4 
Cultural Control 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grazing 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classical Biological Control 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prevention, early detection and control, and seedling 

removal are critical for preventing Himalayan blackberry 

establishment. Vehicles, humans, and livestock should be 

discouraged from traveling through infested areas. If 

possible, weed screens should be used on irrigation water 

intakes in infested areas to prevent seed and cane 

transportation in irrigation canals. 

Biological Control 

Goats and sheep readily browse new growth after mowing. 

However, shoots and canes will rapidly return once the 

animals are removed from the site. Typically, neither goats 

nor sheep will eat older canes; rather, they will first select 

nearby desirable vegetation when given a choice. It is 

usually necessary to use fencing to confine animals and 

intensify grazing. 

No biocontrol agents (insects, pathogens, etc.) for 

Himalayan blackberry have been approved for release in 

the United States due to the potential impact on 

commercial blackberry crops. 

Chemical Control 

Himalayan blackberry is particularly hardy and herbicide 

treatments rarely provide complete control when used 

alone. Some blackberry regrowth usually returns after 

spraying, so repeated treatments will probably be 

necessary for effective long-term control. 

Herbicides listed in table 2 are effective against actively 

growing Himalayan blackberry when properly applied. 

Systemic herbicides such as glyphosate, metsulfuronmethyl, aminopyralid, triclopyr (amine or ester 

formulations), and picloram are usually mixed in 

combination and are effective options when applied to 

healthy foliage. Tebuthiuron is activated through the soil; 

however, caution should be used with this herbicide since 

it is nonselective and provides total vegetation control. 

Herbicide products in table 2 have different requirements 

and restrictions according to the label. For use of these 

herbicides near water in riparian areas, aquatically 

approved formulations (e.g., Rodeo®) and surfactants must 

be used. Read and understand the label prior to any 

application. Consult the manufacturer if you have 

questions or need further detail. 

Glyphosate – This herbicide is nonselective as it inhibits 

amino acid production necessary for forming proteins 

within the plant. Glyphosate adheres to soil particles and 

becomes inactive shortly after spraying. Initial application 

of glyphosate is best made from September through early 

November (before freezing) when Himalayan blackberry 

is sending carbohydrates down into its roots for storage. 

The herbicide is recommended for small infestations that 

are easy to check and re-treat and also for sensitive areas 

where other herbicides may be restricted such as when 

bodies of water are nearby. 

Metsulfuron – Metsulfuron products provide very 

consistent, effective control of blackberry; however, 

activity is slow and may take time to show significant 

control. Metsulfuron methyl is a somewhat selective 

systemic herbicide with rapid foliar and root absorption. 

Similar to glyphosate, the herbicide causes inhibition of 

cell division by disrupting amino acid synthesis. Plants 

stop growing shortly after application of this herbicide 

although plant death may take 4 to 6 weeks. Many 

established perennial grasses are resistant to this chemical 

once they reach the 3 to 4 leaf stage (see product label for 

specific information). This herbicide may also be applied 

near conifers without damage if the conifers are not 

drought-stressed. When mixed with aminocyclopyralid 

and imazapyr, metsulfuron methyl is very effective on 

large blackberry patches, but this mixture will cause 

damage to nearby grasses and trees. Read the label closely 

about cautions and use. Also, refer to the label for use of 

recommended surfactants, those not incorporating acetic 

acid. Do not apply to water; always check carefully for 

usage restrictions, especially when applying near different 

waterbody types. 

Triclopyr – Triclopyr is selective for many broadleaf and 

woody plants and is available in either amine (Garlon® 3) 

or ester (Garlon® 4) formulations. Both products mimic the 

plant’s own growth hormones to cause disruptive plant 

growth; at higher concentrations, it inhibits cell division 

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and growth. Triclopyr amine is well suited for cut-surface 

treatment whereas triclopyr ester is better suited for foliar 

spray; carefully review the label for each product. 

Effectiveness of both Garlon products will be greatly 

enhanced by tank mixing with picloram, aminopyralid, or 

fluroxypyr. Always check carefully for usage restrictions, 

especially when applying near different waterbody types. 

Initial application of triclopyr is best made from September 

through early November, but spot spraying seedlings and 

regrowth may be performed from mid-summer through fall. 

Tebuthiuron – Tebuthiuron is formulated as a pellet 

(Spike® 20P) or wettable powder (Spike® 80WP). Each 

product provides total vegetation control. Tebuthiuron 

becomes active after rain as the herbicide is moved through 

the soil and is taken up by the roots. In the arid climate of 

Southwestern areas, rainfall may be insufficient at times to 

move the chemical throughout the soil profile which results 

in very slow control of blackberry plants. 

Herbicide Application 

Foliar-applied herbicides may be sprayed with backpack or 

hand-held sprayers, ATV or UTV sprayers, or conventional 

boom sprayers that are pulled or attached to a tractor or 

truck. Any equipment used to spray herbicide should be 

calibrated. For sparse populations or as a follow-up 

treatment, one person or a small team can spray Himalayan 

blackberry using a backpack sprayer. Plants should be spot 

sprayed by wetting the foliage and stems without dripping. 

An adjustable spray nozzle attached to the hand-held wand 

should be part of the backpack sprayer. 

Foliar spray treatment – As discussed in the online Pest 

Notes of University of California’s Statewide IPM 

Program, herbicides such as glyphosate or triclopyr must be 

transported within the plant to the rhizomes and new 

growing points to control blackberries effectively during 

the growing season. Plants stressed from drought or 

grazing are in poor condition to translocate carbohydrates. 

Thus, chemical control of wild blackberry plants under 

stress is difficult and is not recommended. 

Foliar herbicide application must be timed so that it 

coincides with the maximum rate of carbohydrate 

movement into the root system for storage. This will 

depend upon whether the plants are primarily first year 

canes or a combination of both first and second-year canes. 

If only first-year canes are present (for example, when 

plants have been previously burned or mowed), the most 

effective time for optimal herbicide transport to the root 

system is in late summer. Herbicide application at this time 

reduces the likelihood of regrowth in subsequent years. 

When a blackberry infestation consists primarily of 

second-year canes or a combination of first and secondyear canes, apply herbicide in early fall before plants 

become dormant. Herbicides applied too early usually 

result in good kill of the top growth, but there is very little 

movement of the chemical into the root system. As a result, 

the plant regrows and must be retreated later. 

Basal bark treatment – Concentrated forms of triclopyr 

(often mixed with commercially available seed oil for 

better penetration) can be applied to basal regions of 

blackberries with a backpack sprayer that has a solid cone, 

flat fan, or straight-stream spray nozzle. Thoroughly cover 

a 6 to 12-inch basal section of the stem with spray but not 

to the point of runoff. Basal bark applications can be made 

almost any time of the year, even after leaves have 

senesced (aged, dried, and fallen from the plant). In areas 

where people frequently harvest wild blackberry fruit, a 

mid-fall basal bark treatment might be desirable to avoid 

human contact with the chemical. 

Dormant stem and leaf treatment – As an alternative to 

basal bark treatments, a 1 percent solution of triclopyr ester 

with a 3 percent crop oil concentrate mixture can be 

applied to dormant leaves and stems in late fall and winter. 

See product label for the rate to use in obtaining the desired 

concentration. As with other herbicide applications, spray 

the plant until it is thoroughly wet but not to the point of 

runoff. Like basal bark treatments, the timing of this 

technique can help prevent human contact with the 

herbicide during berry-picking season. 

Soil-applied treatment – See table 2 for appropriate times 

to apply tebuthiuron to the soil surface as a pellet (Spike® 

20P) or as a wettable powder (Spike® 80WP). Read the 

herbicide label carefully to note restrictions and limitations. 

Directions for various applications are provided on the 

labels, which include broadcast and banded applications, 

and individual low and high volume plant treatments. 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2. Herbicide recommendations 

Common 

Chemical 

Name (active 

ingredient) 

Product 

Example1 

Broadcast 

Treatment 

(rate per 

acre) 

Spot Treatment 

(spray solution 

or pellets)2 

Time of 

Application Remarks 

Glyphosate Accord 

Roundup 

Pro 

Rodeo 

[others 

available] 

4.5–6 pints High-volume rate: 

Accord— 0.75– 

1.5 % 

Rodeo— 0.75– 

1.25% 

Low-volume rate: 

5–10 % for both 

Accord and Rodeo 

Late summer to 

early fall. 

Accord may be 

applied to green 

canes after leaves 

have dropped; 

Rodeo is best 

applied when leaves 

are present. 

Glyphosate is nonselective. If desirable 

plants are nearby, take measures to shield 

or avoid spraying. Not active or persistent 

in the soil. 

Rodeo is registered for aquatic use. It may 

take up to 30 days to see results with woody 

plants. Very cool or cloudy weather 

following application could slow activity 

and further delay noticeable effect. Use a 

NIS (nonionic surfactant) with 80 percent 

active ingredient. 

Burning or mowing 40 to 60 days after 

spraying with glyphosate increases 

effective control. 

Metsulfuron Escort 1–2 ounces 2–4 ounces per 100 Summer through Foliar application during period of full leaf 

methyl per acre; no gallons early fall. expansion before fall coloration. 

more than 4 

ounces per 

year. 

Aminocyclo- Viewpoint 13–18 ounces NA Same as above. This herbicide combination provides 

pyrachlor + per acre nonselective control and should be used in 

metsulfuron + non-crop areas. May cause temporary 

imazapyr damage in some grass species. 

Triclopyr 

amine 

Garlon 3A 

Agristar 

Triclopyr 

3A 

[others 

available] 

2–3 gallons + 

water and NIS 

to make 100 

gallons of 

prepared spray 

High-volume rate: 

1–3% 

Low-volume rate: 

5–10% 

Initial treatment: 

September to 

early November; 

follow-up in 

mid-summer to 

early November. 

Selective; slightly persistent; mimics 

plant’s own growth hormone. 

May add an agriculturally labeled spraythickening agent to reduce drift. See label 

for adjuvant options and usage restrictions 

near different bodies of water. 

Aminopyralid + Capstone 6–9 pints 1–2% Treat when plants Do not treat blackberries in the same year 

triclopyr are actively 

growing. 

after mowing, shredding, or burning. Wait 

1 to 2 years before spraying regrowth and 

anticipate that retreatment may be 

required. 

Aminopyralid + mixture 2.1 pint + 2 1–2% Same as above. Same as above. 

2,4-D + quarts in 100 

triclopyr gallons of 

water 

Triclopyr ester Garlon 4 

Remedy 

Ultra 

[others 

available] 

2–3 gallons 

+ water and 

NIS to make 

100 gallons 

of prepared 

spray 

High-volume rate: 

1–3% 

Low-volume rate: 

5–10% 

Initial treatment: 

September to 

early November; 

follow-up in 

mid-summer to 

early November. 

Same as above. 

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Table 2. Herbicide recommendations (cont.) 

Common 

Chemical 

Name (active 

ingredient) 

Product 

Example1 

Broadcast 

Treatment 

(rate per 

acre) 

Spot Treatment 

(spray solution 

or pellets)2 

Time of 

Application Remarks 

Picloram + Surmount 3–4 pints 0.5–1% Apply when leaves Same as above. 

fluroxypyr are fully expanded 

and the foliage is 

dark green, either 

before first flower 

or after fruit drop. 

Tebuthiuron Spike 20P 3.75–5 pounds NA Fall or prior to Spike 20P is nonselective and provides 

pellets the time when 

predominant 

portion of rainfall 

occurs. 

total vegetation control. 

Spike 20P may be applied at rates as 

low as 2.5 pounds per acre on sites 

with shallow soils, rocky and coarse 

textured soils having low organic 

matter content, or when partial control 

is desired. 

Tebuthiuron Spike 5–7.5 pounds High-volume: mix In areas of low Do not use this treatment in any areas 

wettable 80DF for spot 1 pound in enough annual rainfall where desirable species in close proximity 

powder application 

only. 

water to make 10 

gallons of solution. 

Low-volume: mix 

1 pound in enough 

water to make 1 

gallon of solution. 

(<15 inches per 

year), apply prior 

to the time when 

predominant 

portion of rainfall 

occurs. 

to blackberry may be eliminated. 

A minimum of 1.5 inches of rainfall is 

required to activate Spike 80DF and move 

it to roots in the soil. 

1 Trade names for products are provided for example purposes only, and other products with the same active ingredient(s) may be available. Individual 

product labels should be examined for specific information and appropriate use with Himalayan blackberry. 

2 Spray solution is the herbicide/water ratio in a spray mix that may be used for spot treatment with backpack or hand-held sprayers. The amount of product 

applied during an annual growing season must not exceed the maximum application rate per acre as specified by the product label – refer to the product 

label for the site type and application. 

Management Strategies 

Regardless of location, Himalayan blackberry usually 

responds well to the four-step management process 

outlined in table 1. Although each treatment situation is 

unique, following these four steps should be considered 

when developing a long-term management plan. 

Persistence and a long-term commitment are a must for 

Himalayan blackberry control. In most cases, several 

consecutive years of field treatments will be necessary to 

eliminate or substantially reduce Himalayan blackberry. 

Since it is ordinarily useless to treat an area only one 

time without retreatment, sufficient resources must be 

allocated for the area where control is attempted. After 

initial treatment, it is especially important that resources 

are also available to respray or retreat the treated area 

successfully. Previously treated areas should be 

continuously monitored and retreated when necessary to 

control recovering Himalayan blackberry. Failure to 

perform follow-up management may result in a return of 

the infestation to pretreatment levels. 

Adaptive Management 

Himalayan blackberry is commonly found throughout 

the western U.S. and controlling it across broad areas 

may not be practical. Therefore, realistic goals and 

objectives should be established to manage Himalayan 

blackberry infestations occurring extensively throughout 

a given landscape. To improve long-term success in 

controlling Himalayan blackberry, consider using an 

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adaptive management approach with the overall goal of 

restoring desirable plant communities. The stepwise 

process for adaptive management involves: 

1. Assessment of the overall weed problem; 

2. Establishing management goals and objectives; 

3. Implementation of control strategies and 

measures; 

4. Monitoring the effectiveness of management 

actions; 

5. Evaluating actual outcomes in relation to expected 

results; and 

6. Adjusting practices as necessary. 

Steps of this process should be repeated in sequence as 

part of a continuous learning cycle that improves 

management planning and strategy by learning from the 

outcomes of previous management actions. In general, 

an adaptive management approach is considered to be 

successful if: 

1. Stakeholders are actively involved and remain 

committed to the process; 

2. Monitoring and assessment are used to adjust and 

improve management decisions; and 

3. Management goals and/or objectives for the 

resource are being achieved. 

References and Further 

Information 

Bennett, M. 2006. Managing Himalayan Blackberry in 

Western Oregon Riparian Areas. Oregon State 

University Extension Service. Available at 

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/em/ 

em889 4.pdf (accessed December 2012) 

Bennett, M. 2011. Here’s How to Control Himalayan 

Blackberry in Riparian Zones. In The Forestry 

Source January 2011, a publication of the 

American Society of Foresters. Available at 

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/saf/ 

forestrysource_201101/index.php?startid=11#/12 

(accessed December 2012) 

Hoshovsky, M. 1989. Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus 

discolor, R. procerus): Element Stewardship 

Abstract. Available at http://wiki.bugwood.org/ 

Rubus_armeniacus (accessed December 2012) 

Oregon State Department of Agriculture. 2012. Noxious 

Weed Profiles: Armenian Blackberry. Available at 

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/ 

pages/profile_himalayanblackberry.aspx (accessed 

Dec. 2012) 

SW Neighborhoods, Inc. Himalayan Blackberry 

Removal: A Step-by-Step Tutorial. Available at 

http://swni.org/bcs_remove_himalayan_blackberry 

_sbs (accessed Dec. 2012) 

Tirmenstein, D. 1989. Rubus discolor. In Fire Effects 

Information System. U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain 

Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory 

(Producer). Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/ 

database/feis/ (accessed December 2012). 

Tu, M., C. Hurd, and J.M. Randall. 2001. Weed Control 

Methods Handbook. The Nature Conservancy. 

Available at http://www.invasive.org/ 

gist/handbook.html (accessed December 2012) 

UC Statewide IPM Program. 2012. Wild Blackberries. 

Available at http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/ 

PESTNOTES/pn7434.html (accessed December 

2012) 

Suggested Web Sites 

For information about calibrating spray equipment: 

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Guide #A613 Sprayer Calibration. Available at 

http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_a/A613 

For information on invasive species: 

Bugwood Wiki: http://wiki.bugwood.org 

National Invasive Species Information Center: 

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ 

Invasive.org. 

https://www.invasive.org/species.cfm 

UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management 

Program: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/index.html 

Herbicide labels online: 

http://www.cdms.net/LabelsMsds/LMDefault.aspx 

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For more information or 

other field guides, contact: 

USDA Forest Service 

Southwestern Region 

Forest Health 

333 Broadway Blvd., SE 

Albuquerque, NM 87102 

Or visit the Southwestern Region’s 

website for invasive species: 

http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/invasivespecies 

The use of trade or firm names in this publication is for reader 

information only and does not imply endorsement of any 

product or service by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Recommendations made here for 

pesticide use are not obligatory, 

nor do they imply that discussed 

uses have been registered. All 

uses of pesticides must be 

registered by appropriate State 

and/or Federal agencies before 

they can be applied. 

CAUTION: Pesticides can be 

injurious to humans, domestic 

animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife—if they 

are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides 

carefully and lawfully. Follow recommended practices for the 

disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.