Rubus armeniacus soon escaped from cultivation and has become an invasive species in most of the temperate world.[1][2][10][8][11] Because it is so hard to contain, it quickly gets out of control, with birds and other animals eating the fruit and then spreading the seeds.[12] It is especially established West of the Cascades in the American Pacific Northwest.[9] It does well in riparian zones due to the abundance of other species in these areas, which allows it to go relatively unnoticed until it has had a chance to establish itself.[8] The shrub spreads through rhizomes underground, making it very difficult to remove.