Will the spots go away on their own?

No, fungal spots will not disappear. You must remove the infected parts to stop the fungus from spreading to healthy canes.

Can I eat the berries if the canes have spots?

Yes, the berries are safe to eat as long as they look healthy. Focus on cleaning up the plant after the harvest.

Black raspberry: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the canes for sunken gray spots.
Check if the plant is crowded.
Look for signs of moisture trapped in the center.

Likely causes

Anthracnose fungus
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small purple spots that turn into gray, sunken centers on the canes. These spots often appear in early summer during wet weather.
What to do: Prune out and destroy all infected canes immediately. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded growth. Apply a copper fungicide in early spring before the buds break.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is very dense, and the inner leaves stay wet for a long time after rain. This humidity encourages fungal growth.
What to do: Prune the plant to open up the center. Ensure there is at least 2 to 3 feet of space between plants.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black raspberry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the spots cover most of the canes, the plant may struggle to produce fruit and could eventually die. Minor spotting is manageable with careful pruning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around the base of the plant free of weeds and debris. Always water at the base to keep the foliage dry.

Black raspberry: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black raspberry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will the spots go away on their own?: No, fungal spots will not disappear. You must remove the infected parts to stop the fungus from spreading to healthy canes.
Can I eat the berries if the canes have spots?: Yes, the berries are safe to eat as long as they look healthy. Focus on cleaning up the plant after the harvest.

Why are there purple spots on my black raspberry canes?