Rubus × 'Cherokee' is a vigorous, thorny, erect blackberry cultivar released in 1974 by the University of Arkansas, originating from a cross between the cultivars 'Darrow' and 'Brazos'. It inherited the cold hardiness and high fruit quality of 'Darrow', a northern-adapted variety, while gaining the heat tolerance and robust productivity of 'Brazos', a Texas-developed cultivar. This genetic combination made 'Cherokee' highly adaptable to the fluctuating climates of the American Southeast and Midwest. As an "erect" variety, it possesses thick, self-supporting canes that do not require trellising, a trait that facilitated its widespread use in both commercial pick-your-own operations and home orchards during the late 20th century.

The fruit of 'Cherokee' is medium-to-large, glassy black, and noted for its firm, relatively tart profile that mellows into a deep sweetness when fully tree-ripened. Due to its 'Brazos' parentage, it is particularly resistant to several common fungal pathogens, including orange rust. While newer thornless or sweeter thorny varieties have taken its place in the market, the 'Cherokee' remains a foundational cultivar in gastronomic ethnobiology for its role in bridging the gap between wild, regional brambles and modern, disease-resistant agricultural staples.