Blackberry is now one of the most important weeds in southern Australia because of its invasiveness in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. It has invaded the banks of water courses, roadsides, pastures, orchards, plantations, forests and bushland. It establishes mostly in distrurbed areas, including those naturally disturbed by fire. In natural ecosystems blackberry infestations impact on idigenous plants and animals, and the visual and recreational values of public land. Substantial direct displacement of indigenous plants and loss of habitat for animals is occurring in many environments.
Thickets also harbour pest animals such as foxes and rabbits.
The fruit is a seasonal food source for introduced birds and pest animals. Much of the biomass in a thicket is dead material from previous years and can present a fire hazard. This excluded non market costs and the impact on natural ecosystems. Details on identifying and managing blackberry in natural ecosystems and on-going research can be obtained by ordering the Blackberry Best Practice Management Guide. To order a copy of this publication complete the details on our Weeds CRC Publications Order Form .