Blueberries do not have thorns. These popular shrubs, which produce the sweet and tangy blue fruit, are characterized by smooth, unarmed stems. The plant’s overall structure is generally welcoming, lacking the sharp defensive structures found on many other common berry-producing bushes. This absence of thorns is consistent across all true blueberry varieties.
The Thornless Nature of True Blueberries
Blueberries belong to the genus Vaccinium, a group of plants within the heath family, Ericaceae. Plants in this genus are naturally characterized by woody stems that do not develop thorns, prickles, or spines. Their stems are smooth to the touch, which makes both harvesting and pruning considerably easier than with other types of berries.
New growth often appears as slender, bright yellowish-green twigs that may turn reddish, particularly during the winter months. As the shrub matures, the older wood develops a brown, sometimes slightly rough or peeling bark. Any perceived sharpness on an older blueberry bush is typically due to the rough, exfoliating texture of this bark or perhaps a stiff, broken branch, not an actual defensive botanical structure.
Why Confusion About Thorns Exists
The common misconception that blueberry bushes have thorns likely stems from their close association with other popular, yet prickly, edible berries. Many familiar berry bushes belong to the genus Rubus, which includes both blackberries and raspberries. Plants in the Rubus genus are widely known for possessing prickles or bristles along their canes.
Because both blueberries and Rubus species are often grouped together as “berry bushes,” people assume they share similar physical characteristics. Gooseberries and currants, which are also often grown near blueberries, can sometimes have spines, further contributing to the general confusion about berry-producing plants. The widespread nature of thorny berries causes many people to believe that all fruit-bearing shrubs must have these structures for defense.
Common Blueberry Varieties and Pruning Safety
The two most widely recognized types of cultivated blueberries are Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and Lowbush (Vaccinium angustifolium). Highbush varieties are the tall, upright shrubs most commonly seen in commercial production, while Lowbush varieties are shorter, sprawling plants often referred to as wild blueberries. Neither the tall Highbush nor the low-growing Lowbush varieties produce thorns on their stems.
Even though blueberries are thornless, it is still advisable to wear gloves when pruning older, established shrubs. This precaution is not for protection against thorns, but rather to prevent splinters or skin irritation from the older, tougher, and sometimes exfoliating bark. Using gloves ensures a safer and more comfortable experience when handling the woody canes of mature blueberry plants.