Name: Rubus 'Sweet Ark Ponca' (Sweet Ark Ponca Thornless Blackberry)

Average Landscape Size: 4–6 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; upright, thornless canes

Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours direct sunlight for best fruit production

Water Needs: Moderate to high; consistent moisture during fruiting season essential

Deer Resistance: Low; netting recommended to protect fruit from wildlife

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; excellent cold tolerance for Willis winters

Fertilization & Pruning: Rich organic fertilizer in spring; remove old canes after fruiting, thin new growth for better air circulation

Detailed Description: Get ready for the sweetest blackberries you've ever tasted! Sweet Ark Ponca is an absolute berry lover's dream – these thornless canes produce massive, incredibly sweet berries starting in early June here in Willis. The best part? No thorns means easy picking for the whole family! These plants are incredibly productive, often yielding 10-15 pounds of berries per mature plant. They're also more heat-tolerant than most blackberries, so they thrive in our Texas summers. Plant a few of these and you'll have enough berries for fresh eating, pies, jams, and sharing with neighbors!