Blackberry Leaf (Rubus fruticosus)
Blackberry is a creeping, perennial bramble brush in the rose family. The plant produces white flowers in the summer months along with juicy berries which ripen from red to purplish black.
The plant features slender, thorny branches and hairy, oval, serrated leaves which appear in groups of 3 or 5. These fragrant and flavorful leaves, which taste slightly sweet and grass-like, are used in tea blends. The cut and sifted leaves can also be added to herbal baths and potpourri.
Although the blackberry bush produces small, delicate pink flowers that are reminiscent of the tea rose, this plant has more value as a food crop than it does as an ornamental specimen. In fact, it’s sometimes called bramble because its sprawling habit makes it untidy looking in the landscape. The sweet fruit, however, is enough reward for cultivating the plant.
As with many plants, blackberry is stepped in folklore and myth. In Christianity, the juice of the berries symbolizes the blood of Christ and the branches were reputedly woven into the Crown of Thorns. The beauty and reverence of the plant literally goes to hell at the end of September each year, when it is said that the devil re-enacts his rejection from heaven and makes a hard landing in the thorny bush. This legend is reinforced in the cautionary warning that blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel observed on September 29th. This may explain why early Christian artwork depicting blackberry branches is intended to convey arrogance and spiritual neglect.
Description: Blackberry is a creeping, perennial bush that grows in dry and sandy soil in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. It is also successfully cultivated elsewhere, such as Europe and Australia. The plant features slender, thorny branches and hairy, oval, serrated leaves which appear in groups of 3 or 5.
Origin: Europe
Active Compounds: Tannins (20%); Gallic Acid; Saponins, Including Villosin, Flavonoids, Anthocyanins, Pectin, Vitamin C, Fruit Acids.
Plant Part Used: Leaves, bark from the root and rhizome, fruit
Sustainability: wild crafted
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Appearance and Aroma: Green leaf with a mildly sweet scent.
Cosmetic Uses: Use infusions in bath water and to make hair and skin washes
Decorative Uses: Add the crumbled leaf to potpourri mixes.
Culinary Uses: Sprinkle directly onto foods. May also be taken as a dietary supplement.
Flavor Profile: Light, fruity and sweet.
Culinary Companions: Blends well with many other herbs and spices.
Safety: Use in moderation if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues due to the high tannin content of blackberry leaf. Although blackberry is thought of as a gentle astringent, it is believed that consuming large quantities of tannins can result in stomach distress, nausea and vomiting, and in the extreme, cancer. Blackberry root bark is highest in tannins followed by the leaves and finally the fruit. Refrain from using blackberry root if you suffer from gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.