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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Rubus allegheniensis Rubus allegheniensis
Rubus occidentalis Leaves and flowers Trifoliate
Rubus pensilvanicus Whit flowers (Guilford County, NC)-Mid Spring
Rubus trivialis has some common insect problems:
Rednecked Cane Borer
Raspberry Cane Borer
Rubus trivialis has some common disease problems:
Fusarium Wilt of Blackberry

Rubus trivialis

Phonetic Spelling
ROO-bus tri-VEE-ah-liss
Description

Southern dewberry is a native, evergreen perennial shrub in the Roseaceae family. It grows in the wet sites of bogs or swamps. It will grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils and prefers well-drained moist soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. The plant produces showy white flowers followed by small berries on arching canes that can become a small thicket. The fruit can be  eaten raw or cooked and is typically used in jams and preserves. The fruit is large and well-flavored, about 1 inch long and is very juicy and sweet. This trailing shrub has bristles and usually only a single flower per flowering branch. The plant is common on the coast and Piedmont of North Carolina, but less common in the mountains. Specifically, it can be found along roadsides, fields, thickets, and other disturbed areas.

This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. It provides excellent cover year round. Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms. Its fruits are relished by songbirds, small mammals, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. During the winter, birds and small mammals eat the seeds left from rotted fruit. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves. 

Information on blackberry cultivation for home gardeners is available in the NC State Extension publication Blackberries for the Home Garden.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#nectar plant#cover plant#NC native#deer resistant#trailing#native garden#pollinator plant#edible garden#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#mammals#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#nectar plant early summer#nectar plant midspring#Piedmont Mountains FACU#Coastal FACU#bee friendly#Audubon#perennial#boggy sites#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#nectar plant#cover plant#NC native#deer resistant#trailing#native garden#pollinator plant#edible garden#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#mammals#food source soft mast fruit#butterfly friendly#nectar plant early summer#nectar plant midspring#Piedmont Mountains FACU#Coastal FACU#bee friendly#Audubon#perennial#boggy sites#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rubus
    Species:
    trivialis
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The flowers are a popular nectar source for many insects.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern United States (mid-Atlantic and south), west to Texas
    Wildlife Value:
    Excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals. Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms for nectar. Fruits are eaten by songbirds and other animals. White-tailed deer and rabbits browse the leaves.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Moderately resistent to deer.
    Edibility:
    Can be eaten raw or cooked and is typically used in jams and preserves. The fruit is large, juicy, and sweet.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Appendage:
    Prickles
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Occasionally Dry
    Occasionally Wet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Spring
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are available April-May and are black in color
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    The white flowers are are usually solitary at the ends of short flowering branches. Flowers bloom March-June.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    This plant has red and winter foliage.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The young stems of Southern Dewberry usually have sharp bristles and prickles. The trailing stems have glandular bristles.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Wet Soil