Running Blackberry
Rubus hispidus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Running Blackberry (Rubus hispidus) is a native trailing vine found across eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This deciduous groundcover blooms with white flowers in May and June, attracting bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Running Blackberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Running blackberry is a low-growing native groundcover that spreads by trailing stems to form colonies. It produces small white flowers in late spring followed by edible blackberries in summer, with leaves turning attractive colors in fall.
Growing Running Blackberry
Grow Running Blackberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Running Blackberry 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.
- Aggressive spreading habit can overtake other plants
- Thorny stems may be considered undesirable
- Can appear unkempt without regular maintenance
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles in May and June. Birds and small mammals eat the berries, while the dense growth provides cover for ground-nesting wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Running Blackberry naturally grow?
- Running Blackberry is native to much of eastern North America, including states from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Illinois.
- When does Rubus hispidus bloom?
- Running Blackberry produces white flowers during May and June, providing nectar for various pollinators during late spring.
- What pollinators visit Running Blackberry flowers?
- The flowers of Rubus hispidus attract bees and beetles, which help with pollination during the blooming period.
- How does Running Blackberry grow?
- This species has a trailing, vine-like growth habit that spreads along the ground, making it useful as a native groundcover in woodland gardens.
- Is Running Blackberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Running Blackberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Running Blackberry HOA-friendly?
- Running Blackberry 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 Running Blackberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz