Help with Identification of Plant - Ask Extension
I've found this plant growing and spreading in front yard flower bed. I've been told it wasn't poison ivy but I'd like to know what it is because it's...
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Help with Identification of Plant #877705
Asked July 17, 2024, 6:14 PM EDT
I've found this plant growing and spreading in front yard flower bed. I've been told it wasn't poison ivy but I'd like to know what it is because it's taking over the bed and sprawling out. It also has thorns. I will attach photos. Thank you for your help.
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Pamela,
The plant in the pictures is not poison ivy. I believe it's a species of Brambles, probably Common blackberry, Rubus allegheniensis, also known as Allegheny blackberry, and American blackberry. It is native to Michigan and most states in the East and Midwest. It can grow as a shrub or a vine. Its berries are a favorite of birds, so that could be how the plants are spread. It has white flowers that bloom in the 2nd year, so you probably won't see flowers this year. It usually grows on the forest edge, roadsides, and empty land.
At times it's difficult to identify a plant by a photo. The following links give great information about common blackberry. Check them out. You will be able to determine if you believe this is the correct identification.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rubus-allegheniensis/
https://climbers.lsa.umich.edu/rubus-allegheniensis/
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/node/2149
I hope this information is helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information.
Have a great week!
The plant in the pictures is not poison ivy. I believe it's a species of Brambles, probably Common blackberry, Rubus allegheniensis, also known as Allegheny blackberry, and American blackberry. It is native to Michigan and most states in the East and Midwest. It can grow as a shrub or a vine. Its berries are a favorite of birds, so that could be how the plants are spread. It has white flowers that bloom in the 2nd year, so you probably won't see flowers this year. It usually grows on the forest edge, roadsides, and empty land.
At times it's difficult to identify a plant by a photo. The following links give great information about common blackberry. Check them out. You will be able to determine if you believe this is the correct identification.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rubus-allegheniensis/
https://climbers.lsa.umich.edu/rubus-allegheniensis/
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/node/2149
I hope this information is helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have questions or need further information.
Have a great week!
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