The genus Rubus, (especially the blackberries, which are often loosely referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg.) presents some of the most difficult taxonomic problems. This is partly due to the frequency of polyploidy; also to the frequent occurrence of hybridization; and also due to apomixis, where minor differences between plants are preserved because seedlings are genetically identical to their parent. As a result, differences of opinion on the number of species to be recognized from a given region can vary tremendously (for example, a treatment by M. L. Fernald[] in 1950 recognized 205 species for the northern half of the eastern United States plus parts of southeastern Canada, whilst H. A. Gleason and A. Cronquist in 1991 recognized only 25)[]. Where possible, a relatively conservative approach is taken here[].

Common Name: Swamp Dewberry

General Information

Rubus hispidus is an evergreen shrub, sometimes more or less herb-like, producing a cluster of creeping, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the plant can grow up to 20cm tall[]. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth; producing usually erect, flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting. One year old stems often produce roots and develop a new plant at the tip of their shoots[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover[].
The plant can become a difficult weed to control in tree nurseries and other cultivations[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern and central N. America - Ontario to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, south to Kansas, Tennessee and Georgia

Habitat

Moist or dry open soils, ditches, swales or open woods[]. Moist to wet woodlands, meadows, openings, bogs, fens, disturbed areas, wet to dry soil; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects, Apomictic
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
The plant produces apomictic flowers, these produce fruit and viable seed without fertilization, each seedling is a genetic copy of the parent[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Rubus hispidus is identified mostly by its creeping primocanes with somewhat lustrous, coriaceous, and relatively small leaves that persist for nearly a year, and an armature of stiff hairs or, rarely, weak, slender prickles. Plants with few persistent leaves may be evidence of introgression with Rubus flagellaris or Rubus setosus[]

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. A sour flavour[, , ]. They are mainly used in preserves[]. A reasonable flavour, but it is not worth picking in the presence of better varieties[]. The black, globose to cylindrical fruit is usually about 10 - 15mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

The plant has astringent properties. The juice of the plant has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[, , ].

An infusion of the fruits in warm water has been used as a vermifuge[, ].

An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of consumption, coughs and fevers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing plant, it soon forms a low, dense tangle, and makes a pretty almost evergreen ground cover[, ].

Other Uses

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].