Southern Dewberry Rubus trivialis

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.