Rubus flagellaris

Common Names

Northern Dewberry, Dewberry, Northern Blackberry, Common Dewberry, Blackberry, American Dewberry, Whiplash Dewberry, Ronce à Flagelles

Summary

Native to eastern Canada and the United States, this highly polymorphic, deciduous trailing shrub-vine has long creeping stems with biennial growth; primocanes root at tips, usually bears three leaflets per leaf with pale undersides, and white flowers, followed by dark purple-black drupes about 1/2–1 in long, with stout curved prickles along the canes that promote running thickets in open habitats such as fields, woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

Cultivation favors well-drained loamy soil in full sun to partial shade; propagation options include seed (seed requires stratification) and vegetative methods such as cuttings, layering, and division; apomictic flowers and self-fertility are noted; edible fruit raw or cooked, young shoots edible raw, leaves used as tea, and dyes obtainable from the fruit and green twigs; it supports pollinators and wildlife and is hardy in USDA zones 3–8.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8 inches-4 feet

Spread

8-15 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Upper surface deep green; underside pale green.

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast, Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds