Along this section of the trail, you’ll find two types of blackberry bushes—one native and one non-native. The Himalayan blackberry, introduced from western Europe, is identified by its thick red or green stems and leaves with five leaflets. This aggressive plant often forms dense thickets, crowding out native vegetation. In contrast, the native California blackberry has thinner stems that may appear white, green, or purplish, and typically has three leaflets per leaf. While both produce edible berries, only the California blackberry plays a natural role in supporting the local ecosystem.
