Northern Dewberry

(Rubus flagellaris)

Northern Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rubus flagellaris, commonly known as Northern Dewberry, is a deciduous subshrub native to open woodlands, forest edges, and fields across the Eastern USA, Southeastern Canada, and Northeastern Mexico. It exhibits a trailing habit with low-growing stems that range from 8–15 feet (2.4–4.6 m) long, and erect flowering stems that can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. The plant can grow as a woody vine or a low-growing shrub. Young stems are green with scattered hairy prickles, while older stems become brown and woody with harder prickles. The tips of young stems may root when they touch the ground, forming vegetative offsets. Northern Dewberry’s most active growth period is from mid-spring to early summer.

The plant produces showy, five-petaled white flowers, each about one inch (25 mm) in diameter, which open during the day and close at night. Following pollination, these flowers give way to edible drupes that ripen to a tart-sweet flavor. Northern Dewberry is valued for its wildlife-friendly berries and as a natural ground cover. It is used in fruit production, erosion control, and naturalized plantings. This species requires full sun for optimal fruiting but has intermediate shade tolerance. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0 and is hardy to temperatures as low as −23 °F (−31 °C). While it has a low drought tolerance, it can adapt to various drainage conditions. Gardeners should note that the plant can become invasive and its prickles may make handling difficult.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 3-0.7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and fields

Other Names

Common Names: Common Dewberry , Whiplash Dewberry , American Dewberry , Prickly Raspberry , Ronce À Flagelles

Scientific Names: Rubus flagellaris , Rubus procumbens , Rubus geophilus , Rubus subuniflorus , Rubus maltei , Rubus tetricus , Rubus ashei , Rubus camurus , Rubus cordialis , Rubus exemptus

GBIF Accepted Name: Rubus flagellaris Willd.