Southern Dewberry
Rubus trivialis
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus trivialis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Stream banks, roadsides, thickets and old fields. Dry sandy soils.
South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Fruit - raw, cooked or used in jams, preserves etc. Large and well-flavoured. The fruit is about 3cm long and is very juicy and sweet.
Medicine
Rating: 1
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.
Antihaemorrhoidal: Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating: 1
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: 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, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist