The Shawnee thorny blackberry was hybridized at the University of Arkansas and tested for many years resulting in a highly successful berry with mature bushes that are highly productive. The ripening of the Shawnee blackberry begins in mid-June and has shown no problems with blackberry diseases. The Shawnee thorny blackberry grows strong erect canes that multiply vigorously, and the berries are richly sweet with a balance in flavor of acid and sugar.The long bearing period of five weeks during June and July is a characteristic valuable to pick-your-own orchards, offering a fresh supply of tasty berries of the thorny Shawnee Blackberry bushes. If you plant the thorny Shawnee Blackberry bushes in the Fall, there is a good chance that you will produce a few berries the following Summer. The cold hardiness of the thorny Shawnee blackberry makes it perfect for growing in most Eastern states.