The Bramble, also known as: Caneberry, Bumble-Kite, Bramble-Kite, Bly, Brummel, Brameberry, Scaldhead, and Brambleberry, derived its name from brambel, or brymbyl, meaning prickly. Batology is the term for the taxonomic study of brambles with over 1,000 known species identified so far. The bramble is common all over the world and is more acclimated to colder climates, although a few tropical and sub tropical varieties exist. Bramble blossoms and fruits, both green and ripe, may be present on the bush at the same time. This feature distinguishes brambles from other berry plants.

The Virginian raspberry, R. occidentalis, in Great Britain is reputed to cure hernia or rupture in children when the afflicted child is passed backwards and forwards through the arching bramble. Creeping under a Bramble-bush has long been considered a charm to cure rheumatism, boils, and blackheads and to protect against all 'evil runes.' Even today in some areas of Cornwall, boil sufferers are either dragged or made to crawl beneath the rooted shoot to rid them of their affliction.

The term 'Scaldhead' refers to the medicinal use of blackberry leaves applied externally to help heal burns and scalds. The bark of the root and the leaves contain tannin, which is used as an astringent and tonic, a remedy used by herbalists for dysentery and diarrhea. Whether eaten or applied: its leaves are known to cure piles, and as a remedy for mouth and throat soreness. The ancient Greeks utilized blackberries as a remedy for gout and the flowers and fruit were also used to treat venomous bites. Eating the berry was known to stop looseness of the bowels, and the young shoots, combined with a little alum, were eaten in a salad to fasten loose teeth.

First writings on the cultivation of brambles were as early as 12th Century BC. In the Bible, Jonathan reprimanded the men of Shechem for their ingratitude to his father's house, citing the parable of the trees choosing a king; the humble bramble being finally elected, after the olive, fig-tree and vine had refused the dignity. The parable is quoted below:

" Once the trees went forth to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us!' But the olive tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my fatness with which God and men are honored, and go to wave over the trees?' Then the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come, reign over us!' But the fig tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to wave over the trees?' Then the trees said to the vine, 'You come, reign over us!' But the vine said to them, 'Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?' Finally all the trees said to the bramble, 'You come, reign over us!' And the bramble said to the trees, 'If in truth you are anointing me as king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, may fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.' "

--Judges 9:8-15

For more on growing blueberries visit our Bramble Planting and Culturing Guide.