Dewberries are low-growing, trailing cane berries belonging to the Rubus genus, making them close relatives of the blackberry. They are appreciated for their sweet, dark fruit and are found across a wide area of North America.
Geographic Range of Common Dewberry Species
The distribution of dewberries is largely split between two major species: the Northern Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) and the Southern Dewberry (Rubus trivialis). The Northern Dewberry is widespread throughout the central and eastern United States, extending from Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas eastward to the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. Its range continues north into the Great Lakes region and into eastern Canada, including Ontario and Quebec. This northern species also reaches down into northern Mexico.
The Southern Dewberry has a more concentrated distribution, thriving across the southeastern states. This species is common throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast states, with its range extending northward to southern Virginia and as far west as central Missouri. Collectively, the two species cover a large portion of the continent, with the Southern Dewberry dominating the Coastal Plain and the Northern Dewberry inhabiting a broader, more temperate interior region.
Preferred Environmental Conditions
Dewberries are tolerant of various soil types, including loam, clay-loam, sandy, or rocky material. They consistently flourish in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, typically falling within a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The plants thrive best when they receive full sun exposure, which promotes vigorous growth and optimal fruit production.
Dewberries can endure partial shade, though reduced light levels may result in fewer berries. In their natural habitat, they are frequently found in disturbed, open areas that receive abundant sunlight, such as along roadsides, abandoned fields, and the borders of woodlands. This preference allows them to establish quickly in dry or mesic conditions.
Key Differences from Blackberries
While dewberries and blackberries both belong to the Rubus genus, they have distinct growth habits. Blackberries typically grow on upright canes, forming a tall, bushy shrub that can reach heights of three to six feet. In contrast, dewberries are defined by their trailing or low-growing canes that sprawl along the ground, often rooting at the tips to create new plants.
Another difference is the timing of the fruit harvest. Dewberries are known for ripening earlier in the season, sometimes yielding mature fruit several weeks before the main blackberry crop begins. The fruit itself can differ in structure, with dewberries often having fewer, larger individual segments, known as drupelets. Dewberry fruit may also possess a duller appearance due to a waxy coating, setting them apart visually from the generally shinier blackberry.