Sawtooth blackberry
StarRubus argutus
Synonyms: Rubus penetrans, Rubus incisifrons, Rubus louisianus, Rubus floridensis, Rubus canadensis var. invisus, Rubus koehnei, Rubus betulifolius, Rubus mauicola, Rubus flagellaris var. invisus, Rubus abundiflorus, Rubus invisus
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
The Cherokee made extensive medicinal use of sawtooth blackberry, employing chiefly the root and leaves. A root decoction was taken as an antidiarrheal and as a wash and gargle for sore mouth, sore throat, and bleeding gums (oral aid). The roots were also used as a tonic, a stimulant, and a remedy for hemorrhoids, urinary complaints, and venereal disease. A leaf preparation served as a dermatological aid for wounds and skin sores. The ripe fruit was eaten fresh and made into a beverage (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Rubus argutus, the sawtooth blackberry or highbush blackberry, is a robust, semi-erect to arching, thorny perennial shrub in the family Rosaceae native to eastern and central North America, from southern Ontario and New England south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. It typically grows 1-3 m tall, producing biennial canes (primocanes the first year, fruiting floricanes the second) that are stout, strongly angled or ridged, glabrous to glandular, and armed with broad-based, sharp, recurved prickles. Leaves on primocanes are alternate, palmately compound with 5 (sometimes 3) leaflets; floricane leaves typically have 3 leaflets. Leaflets are ovate to elliptic-lanceolate, 5-12 cm long, with characteristically sharp, double-serrate ("sawtooth") margins, glabrous to pubescent beneath. The inflorescence is a terminal or axillary, several- to many-flowered raceme; flowers are white, 2-3 cm across, with five spreading petals. The fruit is an aggregate of black, juicy drupelets — the familiar blackberry — 1.5-2.5 cm long, ripening in mid- to late summer.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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