Kinnickinnick Dewberry: A Lesser-Known Native Ground Cover Worth Discovering
Meet the kinnickinnick dewberry (Rubus multifer), a charming native ground cover that’s been quietly growing in northeastern and upper midwestern forests for generations. While this little dewberry might not be as well-known as its bramble cousins, it offers native plant enthusiasts something special: a low-growing, well-behaved shrub that stays put and plays nice with others in the garden.
What Makes Kinnickinnick Dewberry Special?
This perennial dewberry is a true ground-hugger, typically staying under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. Unlike some of its more aggressive Rubus relatives, kinnickinnick dewberry maintains a compact, manageable size that won’t take over your garden beds. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonyms Rubus jaysmithii or Rubus polybotrys in older references.
Where Does It Call Home?
Kinnickinnick dewberry is native to a impressive swath of the eastern United States, naturally occurring in 17 states: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. This wide distribution suggests it’s quite adaptable to different growing conditions within its native range.
Why Consider Growing Kinnickinnick Dewberry?
Here are some compelling reasons to give this native dewberry a spot in your landscape:
- True native plant: Support local ecosystems by choosing plants that evolved in your region
- Manageable size: Unlike many brambles, this one won’t overtake your garden
- Ground cover potential: Perfect for naturalizing areas or filling in understory spaces
- Low maintenance: Once established, native plants typically require less care
- Wildlife support: Like other Rubus species, likely provides food for wildlife
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for kinnickinnick dewberry is limited in the literature, we can make educated assumptions based on its native habitat and related species:
- Hardiness: Likely hardy in USDA zones 3-7, based on its natural distribution
- Light: Probably prefers partial shade to dappled sunlight
- Soil: Most likely thrives in moist, well-draining soil with organic matter
- Water: Regular moisture during establishment, then likely drought-tolerant
Garden Design Ideas
Kinnickinnick dewberry could be perfect for:
- Woodland gardens and forest edges
- Native plant borders
- Naturalized landscape areas
- Ground cover in partly shaded spots
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
The Challenge: Finding This Hidden Gem
Here’s the honest truth: kinnickinnick dewberry is one of those wonderful native plants that hasn’t quite made it into mainstream horticulture yet. You’re unlikely to find it at your local garden center, and detailed growing guides are scarce. This makes it both frustrating and exciting—you’d be growing something truly special and uncommon!
If you’re determined to grow this native dewberry, your best bet is to:
- Contact native plant societies in your area
- Check with specialized native plant nurseries
- Look for plant swaps or seed exchanges
- Consider growing from responsibly collected seed (where permitted)
Is It Right for Your Garden?
Kinnickinnick dewberry might be perfect for you if you’re passionate about growing true native species, love the idea of having something unique in your garden, and don’t mind a bit of horticultural detective work. Its manageable size and native status make it an appealing choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems without dealing with aggressive spreaders.
However, if you need immediate gratification or detailed growing instructions, you might want to start with better-documented native alternatives like wild ginger, native violets, or other established native ground covers while you search for this elusive dewberry.
Sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to find them. Kinnickinnick dewberry represents the exciting frontier of native plant gardening—there’s still so much to discover and share!
