Dewberry

The term "dewberry" generally refers to several species of trailing blackberries, typically those within the genus Rubus, particularly in the subgenus Rubus, section Eubatus. These plants are characterized by their low-growing, often sprawling growth habit, in contrast to the more upright stance of blackberries. Dewberries are native to North America and parts of Europe.

The fruit of the dewberry is similar in appearance to a blackberry, being a dark, aggregate fruit composed of many small drupelets. However, dewberries often have a more tart or tangy flavor than blackberries and tend to be softer. They are also typically covered with a bluish-white bloom, giving them a dewy appearance, hence the name.

Different species of dewberry exist, including, but not limited to, Rubus flagellaris (northern dewberry), Rubus trivialis (southern dewberry), and Rubus ursinus (California dewberry). The specific characteristics, distribution, and uses of each species vary.

Dewberries are edible and can be consumed raw or used in jams, jellies, pies, and other culinary applications. They are also considered a valuable source of food for wildlife. The plants themselves can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, roadsides, and open woodlands. Cultivation of dewberries is less common than that of blackberries, but it is practiced in some regions.