Not Many People Know That the Marionberry Was Created Right Here in Oregon

Were you aware that the marionberry isn’t a naturally occurring fruit? Surprisingly, it’s a cultivar, meaning it was deliberately bred from the blackberry species and specifically crafted in Oregon. Discover more about this delectable fruit!

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The marionberry emerged from the collaborative efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service and Oregon State University, situated in Corvallis, Oregon. Developed by George F. Waldo, it is a fusion of the small yet flavorful ‘Chehalem’ berry and the larger, more prolific ‘Olallie’ berry, both of which are caneberry hybrids. Waldo initiated the crossbreeding process in 1945, identified it as OSC 928 by 1948 in Corvallis, and subjected it to rigorous testing across Marion County and various locations in the Willamette Valley.

Finally, in 1956, this remarkable berry was introduced to the world under the moniker “Marion,” paying homage to the county where its cultivation and testing originated. Notably, the marionberry is classified as a “trailing” blackberry vine, ideal for cultivation management.

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Not only are marionberries bursting with flavor, but they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants, these dark purple gems offer a delicious and healthful addition to any diet.

Oregon boasts a staggering 90% share of annual blackberry production for the US market, with Marion County and the Willamette Valley jointly contributing significantly to this output. The marionberry thrives in Oregon’s mild, maritime climate, characterized by frequent rainfall and warm summers, making it exceptionally well-suited to the region’s environmental conditions.

Throughout the summer months, grocery stores consistently carry marionberries, while farmers’ markets are also abundant with these delightful fruits. Moreover, in Oregon, there are numerous farms where you have the option to either purchase freshly picked marionberries or partake in the experience of picking your own during the summer season.

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Marionberries undergo ripening throughout the spring and early summer, reaching their pinnacle of flavor and readiness in July, when they’re either hand-picked or harvested using machines. The early 2000s saw around 900 Oregon growers contributing to the marionberry cultivation landscape. Harvesting typically spans from July 10 to August 10, with a single acre yielding as much as 6 tonnes (5.9 long tons; 6.6 short tons) during a harvest.

In Australia, there exists a hybrid variety known as the Silvanberry, which incorporates boysenberry traits. Classified within the blackberry family, Silvanberry plants exhibit many attributes commonly associated with other blackberry varieties. These plants are long-lived perennials, lasting between 15 to 20 years, and are resilient to harsh conditions, cold temperatures, and are prolific spreaders, making them easy to cultivate and highly productive.