Hanes’ Blackberry: A Critically Rare Native Worth Protecting
If you’ve stumbled across the name Hanes’ blackberry (Rubus hanesii) while researching native plants for your garden, you’ve discovered one of North America’s botanical treasures – and one that comes with a very important conservation story.
What Makes Hanes’ Blackberry Special?
Hanes’ blackberry is a native perennial shrub that belongs to the rose family, just like its more common blackberry cousins. This low-growing beauty typically stays under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeds 3 feet at maturity, making it quite different from the towering, thorny blackberry canes you might know from hiking trails.
But here’s what makes this little shrub truly remarkable: it’s found in only one state in the entire country – Michigan. This tiny geographic range has earned it a Global Conservation Status of S1?, meaning it’s critically imperiled with typically five or fewer known populations and fewer than 1,000 individual plants remaining in the wild.
Why You Shouldn’t Plant Hanes’ Blackberry (And What to Plant Instead)
Before you start searching nurseries for this rare gem, let’s talk about why Hanes’ blackberry should stay in its natural habitat. With so few plants remaining, any collection from wild populations could push this species closer to extinction. Even well-meaning gardeners can inadvertently harm rare species by creating demand that leads to unsustainable harvesting.
Instead, consider these native alternatives that will give you similar benefits without conservation concerns:
- Wild red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – Native across much of North America with delicious berries
- Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) – A low-growing native with trailing stems and sweet berries
- Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) – Native to eastern North America with distinctive purple-black berries
The Role of Rare Plants in Our Ecosystems
You might wonder why we should care about a plant most of us will never see. Rare species like Hanes’ blackberry often represent unique evolutionary adaptations to specific environmental conditions. They’re like biological libraries, storing genetic information that could prove crucial for understanding plant resilience and adaptation.
Like other members of the Rubus family, Hanes’ blackberry likely provides nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators during its blooming period. Its berries, if produced, would offer food for birds and small mammals. Every species, no matter how rare, plays a role in the intricate web of ecological relationships.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
While you can’t (and shouldn’t) grow Hanes’ blackberry in your garden, you can still support its conservation:
- Choose native plants that support local ecosystems
- Support organizations working on plant conservation in Michigan
- Learn about and protect rare plants in your own region
- Spread awareness about the importance of plant diversity
Creating a Native Berry Garden
If the idea of native berries appeals to you, focus on locally appropriate species that are readily available from ethical sources. A native berry garden can provide food for both you and wildlife while supporting local ecosystems. Contact your local native plant society or extension office to learn about the best native Rubus species for your specific region.
Remember, the most impactful thing you can do for rare species like Hanes’ blackberry is to create habitat for common native species, support conservation organizations, and help others understand why every plant species – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – deserves our protection.
