Hutton’s Dewberry: West Virginia’s Mysterious Native Treasure
Meet Hutton’s dewberry (Rubus huttonii), one of West Virginia’s most enigmatic native plants. This perennial shrub is so rare and elusive that even botanists scratch their heads when discussing it. If you’re hoping to add this little-known dewberry to your garden, you might want to sit down for this story.
What Makes Hutton’s Dewberry Special?
Hutton’s dewberry belongs to the Rubus genus, making it a cousin to blackberries and other dewberries you might know and love. However, this particular species is native exclusively to West Virginia, making it a true Mountain State endemic. It’s a low-growing shrub that stays quite compact, typically remaining under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity.
Where Does It Grow?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit concerning): Hutton’s dewberry is found only in West Virginia. That’s it. No other states, no widespread distribution – just the Mountain State.
The Rarity Reality Check
Before you start planning where to plant Hutton’s dewberry in your landscape, there’s something crucial you need to know. This species has a Global Conservation Status of SHQ, which essentially means its status is undefined or questionable. In the botanical world, this often indicates a species that’s either extremely rare, poorly documented, or taxonomically uncertain.
What does this mean for gardeners? Simply put, this isn’t a plant you can (or should) casually add to your shopping list. The rarity and uncertain status of Hutton’s dewberry make it unsuitable for typical garden cultivation.
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Plant It
While supporting native plants is always admirable, Hutton’s dewberry presents some unique challenges:
- Extreme rarity makes it unavailable through normal nursery channels
- Limited knowledge about its specific growing requirements
- Uncertain conservation status means we don’t fully understand its ecological needs
- Removing plants from wild populations could harm the species’ survival
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of pursuing this botanical unicorn, consider these fantastic native Rubus species that are more widely available and garden-friendly:
- American red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – Great for wildlife and delicious berries
- Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) – Excellent pollinator plant with tasty fruit
- Common dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) – Low-growing like Hutton’s dewberry but more available
Supporting Conservation Instead
Rather than trying to grow Hutton’s dewberry, consider supporting its conservation in other ways. You can:
- Support botanical surveys and research in West Virginia
- Contribute to native plant conservation organizations
- Create habitat for other native Rubus species in your landscape
- Spread awareness about rare native plants
The Bottom Line
Hutton’s dewberry represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that reminds us how much we still don’t know about our native flora. While we can’t recommend growing this rare species, its story highlights the importance of protecting and studying our native plant heritage. Sometimes the best way to love a plant is to admire it from afar and ensure its wild populations remain undisturbed.
For your own native garden, stick with the more common (but equally wonderful) members of the Rubus family. They’ll provide the same wildlife benefits and regional character without the conservation concerns that come with ultra-rare species like Hutton’s dewberry.
