Bristly and woody, the blackberries are difficult to separate from raspberries when not in fruit. Generally the plants are armed with thorns or bristles. Usually the plants are arching or upright, while the dewberries remain creeping or low-growing. Flowers are always white, with 5 petals, forming aggregates of black fruit. Fruits drop with the receptacle and sepals attached, unlike the raspberries. Leaves are doubly serrate and divided into 3–5 leaflets. The primocanes (first year canes) do not produce fruit and their leaves often differ. Not all blackberry fruit is tasty, although they are all safe.

Throughout in habitat

Delicious raw or cooked in a variety of ways

Bristles and thorns are sharp and can become embedded. They are not toxic but a physical irritant.