Unique Features: Another Oregon State University introduction, the Columbia Star was selected in 2014 for its more manageable size, lack of thorns (spines) and mostly for its outstanding earthy sweet tart flavor. White flowers bloom in April and the fruit ripens in mid-July. The fruit is smaller than that of the Columbia Giant, about ¼ ounce, cylindrical and packs a lot of flavor. The fruit is ripe when it detaches from the stem with a slight twist and is great for fresh eating, preserves and freezing.  As with most Blackberries the Columbia Star is thornless, self-fertile and produces fruit on second year canes (floricanes). It is also a trailing Blackberry, meaning the canes grow towards the ground, so they’re best grown on a trellis.  During the first growing year, train the canes through the trellis. Then let them go dormant. In the next year they will produce spring flowers, and fruit in the summer.