Southern dewberry (Rubus trivialis, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 296 (1803))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 296 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rubus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SE. U.S.A. to E. Mexico

Description

The Southern dewberry, botanically recognized as Rubus trivialis, is a plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Initially described by the eminent botanist Michaux in his work “Flora Boreali-Americana,” published in 1803, this plant has garnered attention for its widespread presence and distinct characteristics.

Native to the southeastern regions of the United States, the Southern dewberry extends its natural habitat into parts of eastern Mexico. This geographic range highlights the plant’s adaptability to various ecological conditions found across these territories.

The Southern dewberry is often acknowledged for its role in local ecosystems where it contributes both as a pollinator attractor and as a fruit-bearing plant. The berries produced by this species are edible and often sought after by wildlife and humans alike, adding to its economic and ecological value. Furthermore, the plant’s vines and spread can help in soil stabilization, making it an important species for maintaining landscape integrity in regions where it is commonly found.

In summary, Rubus trivialis or the Southern dewberry is a notable member of the Rosaceae family, appreciated for both its ecological benefits and its widespread occurrence from the southeastern United States to eastern Mexico. Its early documentation by Michaux in 1803 underscores its longstanding recognition in botanical studies and its continued relevance in both natural and managed landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: southern dewberry
En: Southern dewberry

Synonyms

• Rubus hispidus subsp. continentalis (Focke)
• Rubus mirus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus nessianus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus rubrisetus (Rydb.)
• Rubus sanguinolentus (Link)
• Rubus sons (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus mississippianus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus okeechobeus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus riograndis (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus continentalis ((Focke) L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus trivialis var. serosus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus agilis (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus tallahasseanus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus hispidus (Marshall)
• Rubus magniflorus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus lucidus (Rydb.)
• Rubus duplaris (Shinners)
• Rubus ictus (L.H.Bailey)
• Rubus trivialis var. duplaris ((Shinners) Mahler)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Alexis Dixon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Meilan Higgins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Teresa Teresa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by Rick Snyder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Beatrice Arce (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Stacey A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Meilan Higgins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2022 by Doc Lingo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2021 by Meilan Higgins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by sterling eason (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:740944-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2992760)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rubus trivialis Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Vine

Growth