How to Grow and Care for Northern Dewberry

Northern dewberry, known scientifically as Rubus flagellaris, is a low-growing, vining bramble native to North America. It belongs to the Rosaceae, or rose family, placing it in the same group as familiar fruits like blackberries and raspberries. This perennial subshrub is characterized by its trailing growth habit. Its presence is widespread across the continent, from Canada down to Mexico.

Identifying Northern Dewberry

Northern dewberry is identified by its distinct growth pattern. Unlike the tall, arching canes of many blackberry species, this plant features long, trailing stems that run horizontally along the ground, sometimes reaching lengths of up to 15 feet. These stems, or canes, are green when young, become brown and woody with age, and allow the plant to form dense mats or colonies. They are armed with scattered, fine prickles or bristles, which are different from the larger thorns found on some other brambles. The leaves are compound, with each leaf having three to five leaflets arranged together, each with a toothed or serrated edge.

Flowers and Berries

In late spring and early summer, from April to May, the northern dewberry produces clusters of white flowers. Each flower is about one inch across and consists of five petals surrounding a central cluster of stamens. These flowers open during the day and close at night, and they are a nectar source for native bees, which aid in pollination. The flowers give way to the fruit, an aggregate of small drupelets, much like a blackberry. The fruit transitions from green to red, finally maturing into a deep purplish-black with a sweet and tart flavor.

Natural Habitat and Range

Northern dewberry is native to a broad swath of eastern and central North America. This adaptable plant thrives in a variety of open, sunny environments. It is commonly found in habitats such as fields, open woodlands, roadsides, and other disturbed areas where it can receive ample sunlight. The plant shows a preference for well-drained soils and is particularly successful in sandy or even poor soil conditions, allowing it to colonize areas where other plants might struggle.

Growing Northern Dewberry

The plant performs best in locations that receive full sun to partial shade and have well-drained soil. Given its vigorous, trailing growth, providing ample space is important as the long canes will readily spread across the ground. To manage its growth, the canes can be trained onto a trellis or other support structure, which also makes harvesting fruit easier. Basic care includes watering during extended dry periods. Pruning is also a beneficial practice; these plants produce fruit on second-year canes, which then die back, and removing these dead canes helps to maintain plant health.