Dwarf Raspberry
Rubus pubescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Dwarf Raspberry (Rubus pubescens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CO, CT, IA, ID and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Dwarf raspberry is a low-growing native groundcover that spreads by underground runners to form patches. It produces small white flowers in late spring followed by tiny red berries, and offers attractive three-leaflet foliage that turns reddish in fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dwarf Raspberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look uncontrolled
- Vine growth habit appears too informal for front yards
- May be perceived as weedy rather than intentionally planted
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles in May and June. Birds enjoy the small raspberries, and the dense growth provides shelter for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dwarf Raspberry need?
- Dwarf Raspberry grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Dwarf Raspberry bloom?
- Dwarf Raspberry blooms in May and June.
- Where is Dwarf Raspberry native?
- Dwarf Raspberry (Rubus pubescens) is native to CO, CT, IA, ID and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Dwarf Raspberry attract?
- Dwarf Raspberry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Dwarf Raspberry HOA-friendly?
- Dwarf Raspberry 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Dwarf Raspberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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