Sawtooth blackberry, widely known for its hearty growth, has a broad native range in North America and is cultivated in various regions for its fruit. While primarily utilized for agricultural purposes, sawtooth blackberry may be quietly expanding its territory in certain areas beyond its native range, notably in regions like East Asia and Oceania, where it is sometimes thought to be mildly influencing the local ecosystems. Despite the concerns, the extent of its cultivation underlines its value and controlled presence in suitable habitats.

Sawtooth blackberry originally hails from North America. It is often considered a weed because of its fast-growing, hardy, and intrusive nature. It has the exceptional ability to spread and thrive in an array of environments, often making it difficult to control. It is particularly harmful to gardens, as it can take over and suffocate other plants, especially those lacking in competition strength and resilience. Gardeners find sawtooth blackberry troublesome due to its dense bramble of thorns that can hinder maintenance. If you're growing sawtooth blackberry intentionally, be on the watch for a fast, disruptive spread and overwhelming dominance. The primary method for the spread of sawtooth blackberry is through its seeds, which are often dispersed by birds and other animals that consume its berries.

The best time to control or remove sawtooth blackberry is during its vegetative growth stage before it sets fruit. Control is most effective in late winter or early spring.