Native Plants
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Rubus hispidus
Rubus hispidus L.
Bristly Dewberry, Swamp Dewberry
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s): Rubus hispidus var. cupulifer, Rubus hispidus var. obovalis, Rubus sempervirens
USDA Symbol: ruhi
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Trailing, woody stems bearing weak, backward-curving bristles, erect branches, usually 3-parted, shiny leaves, and white flowers in loose, terminal clusters or in leaf axils.
A great many species of dewberry occur, some with bristles and some with stronger prickles. These plants and the related blackberries and raspberries (both in Rubus) are among the most important summer foods for songbirds and game birds as well as for many mammals.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Subshrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Aggregate , Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.
Leaf: Gray-Green
Fruit: Black or red aggregated drupelets.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: CT , DC , DE , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Ontario east to Nova Scotia, south to South Carolina, west to Tennessee, and north to Iowa and Wisconsin.
Native Habitat: Usually moist thickets, open woods, and clearings.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Benefit
Warning: Plant has thorns or prickles.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
Provides Nesting Materials/Structure for Native Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW | FACW | FACW |
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1985 VOL. 2, NO.1 - A Glorious Spring, Lupines in Landscapes, Director's Report, Notable Quote, Wild...Wildflower Newsletter 1985 VOL. 2, NO.2 - Guide to Black-Eyed Susan, Parkways, Wildflowers for the East, Arboretum Mall to...
Wildflower Newsletter 1987 VOL. 4, NO.3 - Fall Planting Highlights the Season, Jubilee Celebration Commences December 1987...
Wildflower Newsletter 1987 VOL. 4, NO.4 - Wildflower Center Sows Seeds for the Country, Hotline for Texas, New Goals Plans...
Wildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.5 - Naturalistic Landscaping Takes Careful Planning, Director\'s Report, Breaking th...
Wildflower Newsletter 1994 VOL. 11, NO.6 - Wildflower Center Featured Non-Profit in Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, Dana Leav...
Wildflower Newsletter 1995 VOL. 12, NO.2 - Wildflower Center Opens April 8th through 9th, Grand Opening Schedule of Events,...
Additional resources
USDA: Find Rubus hispidus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Rubus hispidus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rubus hispidus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-11Research By: TWC Staff