Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus bifrons) in eastern Canada: a timely discovery

Authors

  • David Sollows
  • Sean Blaney
  • Shayla Nickerson
  • Nicholas Hill St. Francis Xavier University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v137i3.3043

Keywords:

Himalayan Blackberry, invasive, dispersal, climate warming, control

Abstract

Currently, the invasive Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus bifrons Vest) is sparsely distributed in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, documented in Ontario, Quebec, and New England. In summer 2022, patches of this plant were found in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, at the shrubby edges of gravel parking lots and in the town maintenance area. Of most concern is its occurrence along a former railway line that is now a trail system connecting many communities. In the fall and winter of 2022 established populations were noticed at three locations in Digby County, Nova Scotia, between 80 km and 100 km northeast of Yarmouth, where the evergreen thickets were noticeable from a distance. Climate warming and a variety of dispersal agents have likely contributed to the recent spread. Control is recommended to protect native biodiversity from this highly competitive invasive shrub.

Author Biography

Nicholas Hill, St. Francis Xavier University

PhD Conservation botanist

Adjunct at St Francis Xavier, Antigonish and at Dalhousie University. 1989-2002 Associate Professor at Mount St Vincent University, NS.

Ecological Consultant 2003-2022

2022 Coordinator of Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association

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Published

2024-05-31

Issue

Vol. 137 No. 3

Section

Notes

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