Sow-teat Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rubus allegheniensis is a native blackberry shrub found throughout eastern and central North America, producing white flowers from May through July that attract bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sow-teat Blackberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Sow-teat blackberry is a native shrub that produces thorny canes and edible blackberries in summer. It forms dense thickets over time and provides white flowers followed by dark purple fruit. The plant spreads by underground runners and can become quite large if not managed.
Growing Sow-teat Blackberry
Grow Sow-teat Blackberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sow-teat 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.
- Spreads aggressively through runners
- Thorny canes appear unruly
- Can look wild and unkempt
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during its long blooming period from May through July. Birds and small mammals feed on the berries, while the dense thickets provide nesting habitat and protective cover.
Common questions
- When does Rubus allegheniensis bloom?
- Sow-teat Blackberry blooms from May through July, producing clusters of white flowers that are attractive to various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Rubus allegheniensis?
- This native blackberry attracts bees and beetles, which help pollinate the flowers and contribute to fruit production.
- Where is Rubus allegheniensis native?
- Sow-teat Blackberry is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Montana and Kansas.
- What growing conditions does Rubus allegheniensis prefer?
- This shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and adapts to medium to low water conditions, making it suitable for various landscape situations.
- Is Sow-teat Blackberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sow-teat Blackberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Sow-teat Blackberry HOA-friendly?
- Sow-teat 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 Sow-teat Blackberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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