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: Southern Dewberry

General Information

Rubus trivialis is a deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of moderately to densely armed, low-arching to creeping biennial stems from a woody rootstock. The stems can be 30 - 70cm tall (more if climbing through other vegetation), before falling and creeping along the ground[].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food, and also has medicinal applications. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop, especially in eastern and southeastern N. America[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-eastern N. America - Kansas to Pennsylvania, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Stream banks, roadsides, thickets and old fields[]. Dry sandy soils[]. Open woodlands, savannas, prairies, meadows, sand dunes, disturbed areas, dry to seasonally wet soil; at elevations up to 200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Rubus trivialis is distinguished from other species of Rubus by its frequently glandular-bristly and generally creeping stems, abundant recurved prickles, and typically persistent or semipersistent, lustrous primocane leaves with relatively narrow leaflets. Although emerging primocanes typically reach to 30 cm above the ground, vigorous plants can have new primocanes standing erect to 70 cm that later fall to the ground or onto adjacent vegetation as they continue to enlarge[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, cooked or used in jams, preserves etc[]. Large and well-flavoured[, ]. Very juicy[] and sweet[]. The black, globose to ovoid fruit is usually 10 - 20mm long, occasionally to 30mm[, ].

Medicinal

The root is astringent, stimulant and tonic[]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of rheumatism and diarrhoea[]. An infusion has been used as a wash for piles[]. The washed root has been chewed as a treatment for a coated tongue[].

The leaves are astringent[]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of stomach complaints, rheumatism and diarrhoea[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Most, if not all, thicket-forming species of Rubus have good erosion control value. They usually grow satisfactorily on barren and infertile soils and invade and occupy eroded areas. They also establish quickly on burns, old fields, and logged areas. Forming extensive and nearly impenetrable thickets, they can provide excellent cover for wildlife as well as nesting sites for small birds. They are often natural pioneer species, paving the way for woodlands to develop, but they should only really be used within their native range in order to avoid any risks of them invading other habitats[, ].

Other Uses

This species is used in blackberry breeding programmes where it has been crossed with several cultivars in order to improve their resistance to warm climates. Crossings with Rubus cuneifolius have resulted in cultivars with high tolerance to diseases and dryness[]

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[].