Bramble, Rubus fruticosus

Scientific Name: Rubus fruticosus

Rubus fruticosus, more commonly known as Bramble, or Blackberry, is a thorny, fruiting shrub of the rose family, famous for its berries which are relished by people and animals alike. It grows well in a variety of habitats including woodlands, hedgerows, gardens and scrubland, cliffs, roadside verges and waste ground. Its dense bushes provide valuable protection for nesting birds and good habitat for a range of other small animals.

White or pinkish flowers appear between May and September and juicy black fruits are visible throughout the autumn. Bramble has jagged-edged leaves with five to seven oval leaflets. The thick, arching stems of the scrambling plant are protected by an army of sharp thorns. Its flowers can be white or pink, turning first to green, then red, then finally black berries. Widespread throughout the UK.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.