Oldfield blackberry facts for kids
Rubus alumnus, also known as the oldfield blackberry, is a type of flowering plant found in North America. It belongs to the rose family, which also includes many fruits like apples, peaches, and strawberries!
This plant grows naturally in eastern and central Canada, including Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia. You can also find it in the eastern and central parts of the United States, from Maine down to North Carolina, and as far west as Oklahoma, Kansas, and Minnesota.
Quick facts for kids Oldfield blackberry |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rubus
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| Species: |
alumnus
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| Synonyms | |
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Synonymy
Rubus apianus L.H.Bailey
Rubus barbarus L.H.Bailey Rubus bellobatus L.H.Bailey Rubus campester L.H.Bailey Rubus corei L.H.Bailey Rubus facetus L.H.Bailey Rubus fernaldianus L.H.Bailey Rubus impos L.H.Bailey Rubus independens L.H.Bailey Rubus licitus L.H.Bailey Rubus miriflorus L.H.Bailey Rubus ostryifolius Rydb. Rubus parcifrondifer L.H.Bailey Rubus pubifolius L.H.Bailey Rubus tennesseanus L.H.Bailey |
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Contents
What is a Blackberry?
Blackberries are well-known for their tasty, dark fruits. These fruits are not single berries but are actually made up of many tiny, juicy parts called drupelets. Each drupelet has a small seed inside. When you eat a blackberry, you're eating a cluster of these small fruits.
How Blackberries Grow
Blackberry plants usually grow as thorny bushes or vines. They often have strong, prickly stems that help them climb or spread. These plants are quite tough and can grow in many different places, from sunny fields to the edges of forests.
Where Oldfield Blackberries Live
The oldfield blackberry is found across a wide area in North America. It prefers places like old fields, open woodlands, and along roadsides. This plant is a native species, meaning it has grown in these regions for a very long time.
North American Range
- Canada: You can find it in the eastern provinces of Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia.
- United States: Its range extends from the northeastern states like Maine, south along the coast to North Carolina. It also reaches inland to states like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Minnesota.
The Rubus Family
The group of plants that Rubus alumnus belongs to, called Rubus, is very large and diverse. It includes many different types of blackberries and raspberries. Scientists find it quite challenging to tell all the different Rubus species apart.
Why is it Complex?
The way Rubus plants reproduce can be very complicated. Sometimes, they can make seeds without needing two parent plants. This makes it hard for scientists to figure out exactly which plants are separate species and which are just variations of the same plant. Because of this, there are many types of Rubus that are rare or only grow in small areas, like the oldfield blackberry.
