Rubus hispidus
Swamp Dewberry is a native vining raspberry species that prefers wet areas, but we have observed it growing in well-drained fields, hillsides, and roadside ditches. Like other members of the Rubus genus, it produces an edible fruit that is quite tasty. In fact, we no longer grow cultivated blackberries, since this berry tastes the same while being easier to harvest due to its crawling nature and lack of thorns.
The vines are quite vigorous, crawling across and sometimes over plants and rooting whenever a stem tip touches soil. This makes this plant an incredible groundcover for areas that might be too wet for other species like Wild Strawberry or Blue Violet. Just be aware that while the bristly stems aren’t quite thorny, you might not want to walk on them in bare feet. But don’t let that deter you from walking through them to quickly harvest a bounty of delicious fruit.
This fast-growing edible plant is a worthy addition to any food forest, wet area, or even your home garden!
Hardiness: Zone 3-7
Soil: Wet/Moist to average
Light: Part sun to part shade
Rubus hispidus
Swamp Dewberry is a native vining raspberry species that prefers wet areas, but we have observed it growing in well-drained fields, hillsides, and roadside ditches. Like other members of the Rubus genus, it produces an edible fruit that is quite tasty. In fact, we no longer grow cultivated blackberries, since this berry tastes the same while being easier to harvest due to its crawling nature and lack of thorns.
The vines are quite vigorous, crawling across and sometimes over plants and rooting whenever a stem tip touches soil. This makes this plant an incredible groundcover for areas that might be too wet for other species like Wild Strawberry or Blue Violet. Just be aware that while the bristly stems aren’t quite thorny, you might not want to walk on them in bare feet. But don’t let that deter you from walking through them to quickly harvest a bounty of delicious fruit.
This fast-growing edible plant is a worthy addition to any food forest, wet area, or even your home garden!
Hardiness: Zone 3-7
Soil: Wet/Moist to average
Light: Part sun to part shade
