There is a difference! While blackberries have been divided into hundreds of species, two major types occur. These are the upright growing forms and the prostrate, or trailing, forms often called dewberries. How this name originated is uncertain. Perhaps it was because the berries frequently were covered with dew when gathered. The upright berries not only have stiff, erect canes, but they also are very thorny. They propagate by suckers or sprouts from the roots. In contrast, the trailing blackberries of America have slender canes, that strike root and establish new plants if they come in contact with the soil,. In general, the upright forms such as the Brazos have a strong flavor, with a somewhat tart after taste. The flavor of the trailing forms are usually milder. Other types of high quality trailing types of blackberries have been widely grown. These include the Youngberry (a Louisiana berry which is sweeter but not as productive as other varieties), the Loganberry (the oldest of the trailing blackberry varieties for the Pacific Coast) and the thornless Boysenberry (a vigorous variety which produces a large, long, dark reddish black berry and has been shown to be productive in this area. Plants must be trellised.). What about raspberries? Blackberries are distinguished from raspberries in that when raspberries are harvested, the fruit has a hollow center caused by removal from the stem core, while blackberries do not. Unfortunately, raspberries are not well adapted to South Texas growing conditions. They are extremely susceptible to iron chlorosis (yellowing of foliage) and will not tolerate the hot air and soil temperatures of Texas summers. A fungus disease named anthracnose will also destroy plantings.