Rubus fruticosus 'Columbia Star'

The 'Columbia Star' Blackberry, in Latin Rubus fruticosus, also known as the 'Columbia Star' Fruit Bramble, is an American variety without thorns. Its abundant black fruits are elongated, large, and all the same size. They are delicious and sweet. Very vigorous and productive, hardy, this variety produces a lot of fruit in September and October on long trailing stems that need to be trained. Plant it in ordinary soil, not too dry but moist, in full sun or partial shade.

The Rubus fruticosus 'Columbia Star' belongs to the large and important family of Rosaceae, which gives us so many ornamental species (Roses, of course, but also Photinia, Cotoneaster, Amelanchier...) as well as most of our temperate climate fruit trees (Pear, Apple, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Plum...). The genus Rubus itself is extremely rich, counting at least a thousand worldwide. Some are ornamental, with decorative or aesthetic flowers or white shoots, like Rubus thibetanus. And others have edible value, like raspberries (Rubus idaeus) and blackberries (Rubus fruticosus).

The 'Columbia Star' variety reaches a height of 2m (7ft) in 2 years if trained and is 1.5-2m (5-7ft) wide. It is a perennial climbing plant with semi-evergreen, dark green foliage. The stems are thornless; they only live to bear fruit (2 years) and are replaced as they go by shoots from the stump. It is also necessary to prune the stems that have borne fruit in the season each year to 2 buds. The abundant and melliferous flowering comprises numerous small white flowers, 1.5 to 2cm (1in) in diameter, grouped in clusters in June and July. The fruits that grow later are formed from groups of drupes attached to the base. In September and October, they are large, red, then black when ripe. They must be picked when entirely black; they are sweet and slightly acidic and can be eaten fresh, frozen, in pies or jam.

The thornless 'Columbia Star' Blackberry is content with ordinary soil, although it prefers fertile, well-drained, moist soil. It thrives against a sunny or partially shaded wall. Plant it in a slightly wild garden, but don't forget to prune it. Add other vigorous and climbing fruit trees like the table grape vine or the kiwi.