dewberries

Dewberries are the edible fruits of several Rubus species in the rose family. They resemble blackberries but arise on trailing, low-growing canes, giving the plant a creeping habit. The fruit is an aggregate of drupelets that ripens to a deep purple-black.

In Europe the term dewberry most often refers to Rubus caesius; in North America several species, including Rubus ursinus, produce dewberries. They differ from upright blackberries mainly in growth habit and sometimes in fruit size and shape.

Dewberries occur in hedgerows, open woods, and disturbed ground, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. They fruit in late spring to midsummer, often earlier than common blackberries. They can be propagated by rooting tip suckers and trained along a short trellis.

Uses include fresh eating and preparation in jams, pies, and preserves. They have a tart, bright flavor similar to blackberries and supply fiber, vitamin C, and manganese with moderate calories.

Pests and diseases affect dewberries, and birds frequently raid ripe fruit. Good cultural practices, including pruning, sanitation, and ensuring good drainage, help maintain plant health.