Black raspberries thrive in the margins of roadsides, woodlands and disturbed sites. Their prickly dusty purple canes bend and arch, re-rooting themselves to form thickets, perfect for garden borders and edges. This plant provides for many. Deer and rabbits forage the leaves and young stems. The flowers attract many pollinators, including bumblebees. The summer fruits are enjoyed by songbirds, small mammals, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. 

The fruits turn dark purple/black when ripe, are packed with Vitamin C and are a delicious snack raw or in baked goods, syrups and jams. The young tender shoots can be eaten in the early spring as they emerge (they must be peeled and cooked). The leaves are highly astringent, and prepared medicinally as a tea or rinse. 

(For informational purposes only)