Post by Zeda on Apr 9, 2018 7:38:36 GMT -6
Blackberry
Rubus fructicosus or Rubus canadensis
There are many subspecies of this plant, but all work equally well. Blackberries are part of of the rose family and have the characteristic flowers, leaves and thorns similar to those found on wild rose bushes. These shrubs have a rather sprawling habit and tend to take over wherever they can get a foothold with arching, thorny branches that catch on clothing and hair and scratch tender skin. All through the summer you can see the berries in various stages of ripeness and flowers in all stages of blooming on this plant, making it somewhat unique. In most common species, the flowers are white and the berries proceed from white, to red to purpley black ripeness. The berries have a composite appearance and many tiny seeds, like raspberries or mulberries. Leaves are ovate, double-serrate and pinnate with 3-5 leaflets. Flowers have five petals and the canes are studded with curved prickles.
Propagation
Blackberries grow everywhere, and especially prefer dry, sandy soil in hedges or at the forest's edge. It can be cultivated by seed, or by softwood cuttings in the early summer or leaf bud cuttings in the late summer, or division in the early spring or autumn. It needs well-drained soil in a partially shaded position. This plant is an annual and will not produce fruit till the second year. Blackberries are susceptible to cane blight, crown gall, aphids and viral diseases. They are excellent additions to faerie and wildlife gardens as they provide good shelter. They attract birds including the brown thrasher, catbirds, cardinals, mockingbirds and vireos. They are also popular with swallowtail butterflies
Harvesting & Storage
Berries should be harvested as soon as they ripen (they turn black). Overripe berries should be discarded and under-ripe berries should not be eaten. Berries can be used fresh or dried, or preserved in a jelly, jam, wine or any number of tasty treats.
Leaves should be harvested before or during flowering and laid to dry in the usual manner.
Roots can be dug in the spring and fall. After the berries have been harvested in the second year is the best time to do this. They should be dried quickly, in an oven or under a hot sun.
Blackberry plant parts for use in protective magic should be gathered during the waning moon.
Magical Attributes
Different parts of the blackberry plant have different correspondences. The thorny branches are ruled by the sign fire and are used for protection. Blackberry vines can be woven into protective wreaths, especially in combination with Rowan and Ivy and the thorns and leaves can also be added to spell bags and other preparations for general household protection and prosperity.
Some healing spell makes use of blackberry leaves. Dip nine leaves in a natural water and then crush them to a fine past and apply to areas of pain is a common magical use for these herbs.
Culinary Use
Blackberries are tasty right off the bush or sprinkled over shortbread and smothered in cream, or added to a bowl of cereal. They also make great jams and wines and are delicious in pie alone or in combination with other seasonal fruits.
The dried leaves may be added to herbal tea blends.
HOMEWORK
Why do you think it is common to have Blackberry growing in almost any witch or wizards garden?
Propagation
Blackberries grow everywhere, and especially prefer dry, sandy soil in hedges or at the forest's edge. It can be cultivated by seed, or by softwood cuttings in the early summer or leaf bud cuttings in the late summer, or division in the early spring or autumn. It needs well-drained soil in a partially shaded position. This plant is an annual and will not produce fruit till the second year. Blackberries are susceptible to cane blight, crown gall, aphids and viral diseases. They are excellent additions to faerie and wildlife gardens as they provide good shelter. They attract birds including the brown thrasher, catbirds, cardinals, mockingbirds and vireos. They are also popular with swallowtail butterflies
Harvesting & Storage
Berries should be harvested as soon as they ripen (they turn black). Overripe berries should be discarded and under-ripe berries should not be eaten. Berries can be used fresh or dried, or preserved in a jelly, jam, wine or any number of tasty treats.
Leaves should be harvested before or during flowering and laid to dry in the usual manner.
Roots can be dug in the spring and fall. After the berries have been harvested in the second year is the best time to do this. They should be dried quickly, in an oven or under a hot sun.
Blackberry plant parts for use in protective magic should be gathered during the waning moon.
Magical Attributes
Different parts of the blackberry plant have different correspondences. The thorny branches are ruled by the sign fire and are used for protection. Blackberry vines can be woven into protective wreaths, especially in combination with Rowan and Ivy and the thorns and leaves can also be added to spell bags and other preparations for general household protection and prosperity.
Some healing spell makes use of blackberry leaves. Dip nine leaves in a natural water and then crush them to a fine past and apply to areas of pain is a common magical use for these herbs.
Culinary Use
Blackberries are tasty right off the bush or sprinkled over shortbread and smothered in cream, or added to a bowl of cereal. They also make great jams and wines and are delicious in pie alone or in combination with other seasonal fruits.
The dried leaves may be added to herbal tea blends.
HOMEWORK
Why do you think it is common to have Blackberry growing in almost any witch or wizards garden?