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Tree Guide

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Arapaho BlackberryRubus spp. 'Arapaho'

  • Arapaho Blackberry shrubs
The Arapaho blackberry is an erect, early-ripening, thornless shrub that produces large red and black fruit. The berries are firm and tasty with small seeds — good for making jams and syrups. And there’s no need for a trellis, as this plant is self-supporting.

Learn more about planting and caring for an Arapahoe Blackberry Bush.

Hardiness Zones

The arapaho blackberry can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map

Tree Type

This is a fruit shrub, grown primarily for the edible fruit it produces.

Mature Size

The Arapaho blackberry grows to a height of 4–6' and a spread of around 4' at maturity.

Growth Speed Slow to Medium Growth Rate

This shrub grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun and partial shade are best for this shrub, meaning it prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The Arapaho blackberry grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, silty loam and well-drained soils.

Attributes

This shrub:
  • Yields ripe fruit typically in early to mid-June. It ripens the earliest of all thornless blackberries.
  • Bears fruit on 2-year-old canes.
  • Is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another type of blackberry for pollination.
  • Has a chill hours (CU) requirement of 400–500. (Chill hours are the average hours of air temperature between 32° and 45° F in a typical winter season.)
  • Produces large, glossy red and black berries with small seeds--great for jams and syrups.
  • Is a self-supporting plant, requiring no trellis.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.
  • Tolerates heat.
  • Requires acidic soil.

Wildlife Value

The shrub provides nutrition for bees in early summer. Birds and other animals enjoy the berries.