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American Dewberry

Rubus flagellaris

Last reviewed: June 2026

American Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Dewberry as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–96" H × 24"–120" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CT and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsSouth Central Plains

American dewberry is a native trailing vine that produces small white flowers in spring followed by edible blackberry-like fruits in summer. This groundcover spreads by runners and can form dense patches, going dormant in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Dewberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Thorny canes create unkempt appearance
  • Aggressive spreading habit difficult to contain
  • Looks completely bare when dormant in winter

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract native bees and beetles for pollination. Birds and small mammals enjoy the summer berries, while the thorny canes provide nesting habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does American Dewberry need?
American Dewberry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Dewberry bloom?
American Dewberry blooms in April and May.
Where is American Dewberry native?
American Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is American Dewberry toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Dewberry as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does American Dewberry attract?
American Dewberry draws bees and beetles.
Is American Dewberry HOA-friendly?
American Dewberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Dewberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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