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Rubus repens

Previously known as:

  • Dalibarda repens
Phonetic Spelling
ROO-bus REE-penz
Description

The Genus Rubus includes blackberry, dewberry, and raspberry and most members of the Genus share the traits of thorny or bristly stems and compound leaves. Also, flowers and fruit appear on last season’s canes (branches), seldom on new shoots, which means one must be cautious when pruning and not remove the canes that will yield next year's berries. There are differences, however, among species; for example, some are erect or arching shrubs up to 8 feet high and others trail on the ground like vines. Some, such as dewberries, produce fruits in the spring while blackberries and raspberries fruit during the summer. In general, Genus Rubus contains some of the most important plants for wildlife in the southeast

Rubus repens, also known as False violet, is a native perennial in the Roseaceae family. It is sometimes identified as the only species in the genus Dalibarda, which is closely allied with the genus Rubus. The leaves resemble violets, hence the common name. The flowers, however, are not asymmetrical like violets, rather, they have 5 radial petals like all members of the rose family. The False violet grows best in boggy areas with wet soils or in woodlands in partial to full shade. The plant tends to be low, spreading by runners with leaves and flowers on separate stalks from the runner and has a height of 2 to 5 inches. The fruit is edible, but small and dry. If fruit is desired, there are better choices in the Rubus genus. This plant is listed as endangered in North Carolina and several other states.

This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. It provides excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals and butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms. Its fruits are eaten 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.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or other problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#shrub#shade garden#NC native#native garden#pollinator plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#butterfly friendly#nectar plant early summer#nectar plant midspring#perennial#boggy sites#wildlife friendly#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#shrub#shade garden#NC native#native garden#pollinator plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#wet soils tolerant#bird friendly#nectar plant late spring#butterfly friendly#nectar plant early summer#nectar plant midspring#perennial#boggy sites#wildlife friendly#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rubus
    Species:
    repens
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern and Central North America
    Wildlife Value:
    Excellent cover year round for birds and small mammals. Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms for its nectarwildlife plant, pollinator garden, nectar plant mid-spring, nectar plant late spring, nectar plant early summer. 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Occasionally Wet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    A few, nearly dry, small white drupes are produced.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Flowers bloom from April to June.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Orbicular
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    The False violet has simple, ovate-orbiculate leaves with long petioles.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil