Generally occupy old fields and woodland clearings. They will gradually disappear as the forest returns. Allegheny blackberry and many other blackberries are common in dry places from lowlands to uplands, in woodland openings, along road-sides, in old fields, fencerows, clearings and thickets. Canadian blackberry, one of the taller and later-flowering species is very common in woods, old fields, cool hollows and along roadsides, mostly in the mountainous regions. Juicy berries are preferred but even dried berries persisting on the canes into fall and winter are eaten to some extent.
Birds are especially prominent users of the fruit.
The birds include ruffed grouse, bobwhite, catbird, cardinal, chat, robin, orchard oriole, summer tanger, brown thrasher, thrushes and towhee. The fruits are also very important to animals such as black bear, raccoon, squirrels, and chipmunk. Stems and leaves are extensively eaten by deer and rabbits. The flowers are an excellent food source for bees, butterflies and moths. The dense thickets provide valuable cover for birds, rabbits, and other smaller animals.