Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius
Elmleaf blackberry
(c) Joan Simon, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Not Native
Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius (Elmleaf blackberry) is a non-native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Key difference from var. anoplothyrsus: presence of many straight prickles.
Elmleaf blackberry is a naturalized shrub found in the northern Coast Ranges in disturbed areas. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers in clusters along its arching branches. Growing with robust, sprawling stems that can reach several meters in length, it features numerous stout, wide-based prickles along its stems and branches. Its leaves are compound, typically with three to five leaflets that are dark green, slightly rough, and elm-like in appearance. The fruit is a classic blackberry, developing from white flowers into clusters of sweet, dark purple berries when ripe.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 8 species. Key difference from var. anoplothyrsus: presence of many straight prickles
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Outside California: Europe
Bloom period
Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius blooms Generally Apr-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Toxicodendron: Rubus has palmate leaves with 3-5 leaflets spreading from one point; poison oak has 3 leaflets arranged along a stem.; vs Ribes: Rubus stems are thorny or bristly canes; currants/gooseberries are unarmed or have sharp spines at nodes only.; vs Rosa: Rubus leaves are palmate (fingers from palm); rose leaves are pinnate (leaflets along a central stem).; vs Acer: Rubus has compound leaves with separate leaflets; maple leaves are single lobed blades.; vs Fragaria: Rubus grows as tall, arching canes; strawberries form low runners with flower stalks rising from base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius native to California?
No. Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius bloom?
Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius blooms Generally Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius belong to?
Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius is in the Rosaceae family, genus Rubus.
What habitat does Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius grow in?
Rubus ulmifolius var. ulmifolius grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Rubus ursinus — California blackberry
- Rubus armeniacus — Himalayan blackberry
- Rubus glaucifolius — Waxleaf raspberry
- Rubus glaucifolius var. ganderi — Cuyamaca raspberry
- Rubus laciniatus — Cutleaf blackberry
- Rubus lasiococcus — Roughfruit raspberry
- Sanguisorba officinalis — Great burnet
- Sanguisorba sp.
- Sibbaldia procumbens — Creeping sibbaldia
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.