Dewberry

Dewberries are small, trailing brambles belonging to the genus *Rubus*. They are closely related to the common blackberry. These plants are often viewed as beneficial weeds in many environments. They are found throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere. While they look similar to raspberries, they are usually purple or black.

Unlike some other *Rubus* species, dewberries do not typically grow upright. Instead, they have stems that trail along the ground. These stems are covered in fine spines or stickers. As the stems grow, they put forth new roots along their entire length.

The life cycle of a dewberry follows a specific seasonal pattern. Around March or April, the plants begin to grow white flowers. These flowers eventually develop into small, green berries. The berries undergo a color change as they mature. They transition from green to red, and finally to a deep purple-blue when ripe.

When the berries reach full ripeness, they become very tender. This makes them difficult to pick in large amounts without squashing them. Many varieties are sweet and contain fewer seeds than blackberries.

There are different sections and species within the dewberry family. American dewberries belong to the section *Flagellares*. The European dewberry, known as *Rubus caesius*, belongs to the section *Caesii*. The European variety grows more upright than its American relatives. Its fruit is a deep, almost black purple. A unique feature of *Rubus caesius* is a thin layer of waxy droplets on the fruit. This coating looks like a layer of dew. Because of this, the berries often appear sky blue.

These European berries also retain a markedly tart taste even when ripe.

Many different species have been identified within these groups. Some notable names include the Northern dewberry, or *Rubus flagellaris*. Other species include the Swamp dewberry, *Rubus hispidus*, and the Upland dewberry, *Rubus invisus*. There is also the Pacific dewberry, *Rubus ursinus*. Scientists and botanists like L.H. Bailey have identified many of these specific types.

These names help researchers distinguish between the many different varieties found in different habitats.

Dewberries play a role in the local ecology of their habitats. The leaves of the plant serve as food for certain insects. Specifically, the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, such as peach blossom moths, eat the leaves.

The plants grow in many environments, but some are quite specific. For example, *Rubus caesius* is frequently restricted to coastal communities. It is often found growing in sand-dune systems. This shows how different species adapt to specific locations like dunes or swamps.

Humans have found many ways to use dewberries. The berries are edible and can be eaten raw. They are also used as ingredients in foods like jam, pie, or cobbler. Even the leaves have a use, as they can be used to make an herbal tea called a tisane.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dewberries were part of a major industry. The town of Cameron, North Carolina, was known as the "dewberry capital of the world." This was due to the large-scale cultivation of the fruit in that area.

The history of the dewberry industry is tied to transportation. During its peak in North Carolina, growers used railroads to move their crops. This allowed the berries to be shipped for widespread consumption. They were sent to customers both nationally and internationally. This connection to the railroad helped turn a local berry into a global product. Today, dewberries remain a fascinating part of the *Rubus* genus. They are also related to other fruits like the boysenberry, which is a cross between a dewberry and a loganberry.