Sawtooth Blackberry
Rubus argutus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Sawtooth Blackberry (Rubus argutus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sawtooth Blackberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–96" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sawtooth blackberry is a native vine that produces thorny canes and edible black berries. It spreads vigorously through underground runners and can form dense thickets if not regularly managed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sawtooth Blackberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Thorny canes create safety concerns
- Aggressive spreading habit
- Can appear wild and unkempt
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. Birds and small mammals feed on the berries, while the dense growth provides nesting habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sawtooth Blackberry need?
- Sawtooth Blackberry grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Sawtooth Blackberry bloom?
- Sawtooth Blackberry blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Sawtooth Blackberry native?
- Sawtooth Blackberry (Rubus argutus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Sawtooth Blackberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sawtooth Blackberry as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Sawtooth Blackberry attract?
- Sawtooth Blackberry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Sawtooth Blackberry HOA-friendly?
- Sawtooth Blackberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sawtooth Blackberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.