Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

Botanical Description

  • Common Names: Blackberry, Bramble, Brambleberry
  • Scientific Name: Rubus fruticosus (a species complex)
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
  • Plant Type: Perennial deciduous shrub with biennial canes
  • Habitat: Common across hedgerows, woodland edges, roadsides, and hillsides throughout the UK and Isle of Man

Appearance

  • Woody arching stems with thorns (“brambles”)
  • White to pale pink five-petaled flowers in summer
  • Deep purple-black aggregate fruits (berries) in late summer to early autumn
  • Lobed, serrated green leaves with hairy undersides

Parts Used

  • Leaves: Dried for tea or poultices (astringent, anti-inflammatory)
  • Roots: Decoction for diarrhoea or oral issues (traditional use)
  • Berries: Eaten fresh, dried, juiced or as extract (nutritive and antioxidant-rich)

Constituents (by plant part)

Leaves:
  • Tannins (astringent and antimicrobial)
  • Flavonoids (anti-inflammatory)
  • Vitamin C
  • Organic acids (malic, citric)
Roots:
  • Tannins
  • Saponins
Berries:
  • Anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants)
  • Vitamins A, C, K
  • Fibre and pectin
  • Organic acids

Equine Use (Horses)

Benefits:
  • Leaves:
    • Useful for diarrhoea and loose droppings
    • Supports gut health and oral hygiene (gargle or rinse for inflamed gums)
  • Berries:
    • Antioxidant-rich, supports immune and vascular health
    • Encourages natural foraging behaviour and enriches feed
How to Use:
  • Dried leaves:infused and mixed with feed
  • Fresh berries: Handful added to feed or forage mix
  • Leaf rinse: Infused tea cooled and used to rinse sore mouths
⚠ Cautions:
  • Leaves contain tannins, so avoid long-term or excessive internal use
  • Ensure ripe fruit only is fed; unripe fruit may cause digestive upset

Canine Use (Dogs)

Benefits:
  • Leaves:
    • Mild astringent and anti-inflammatory for diarrhoea or oral inflammation
    • Can be used topically on minor wounds or hot spots
  • Berries:
    • High in antioxidants, supports cognitive function, immunity, and eye health
    • Low-glycaemic treat (fresh or dried)
How to Use:
  • Fresh berries: offered dependant on size
  • Leaf tea: Mildly steeped and cooled – added to food or water
  • Poultice: Crushed leaves applied externally
⚠ Cautions:
  • Avoid overconsumption of leaves (tannins can irritate stomach lining)
  • Ensure dogs do not ingest brambles or thorns while foraging

UK & Isle of Man Folklore

  • Blackberry folklore is abundant across the UK and the Isle of Man:
  • In Manx tradition, blackberries were thought to protect the household. Leaves were placed above doorways during Samhain (Old Halloween).
  • In parts of the UK, it was believed that blackberries should never be picked after Michaelmas Day (29 Sept), as they were “claimed by the Devil” (some say he spits or curses them).
  • Bramble arches were used in healing rituals: Children with hernias or rickets were passed under a naturally formed bramble arch nine times during specific lunar phases to be healed.
  • The five-lobed leaf was associated with protection and health in country magic, and the juice of the berry symbolised strength, grounding, and healing.

Summary

Feature Details
Main Uses Astringent, antioxidant, digestive and oral health support
Parts Used Leaves, berries, root
Equine Use Gut, immune, and oral support; forage enrichment
Canine Use Immune and antioxidant support; mild digestive aid
Folklore Protection, healing rituals, and seasonal superstitions in UK & IoM

Detox

Digestion

Inflamation

Wellbeing

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)