Morgantown Blackberry: A Rare Native Worth Protecting (But Not Planting)
Meet the Morgantown blackberry (Rubus densissimus), one of West Virginia’s most elusive native treasures. While most gardeners are familiar with common blackberries that sprawl through woodlands and produce delicious summer fruits, this particular species tells a very different story—one of extreme rarity and conservation concern.
What Makes Morgantown Blackberry Special
The Morgantown blackberry is a perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact compared to its more vigorous cousins. This low-growing native typically reaches just 1.5 feet tall and never exceeds 3 feet at maturity. As a member of the Rubus genus, it shares DNA with the blackberries and raspberries we know and love, but its diminutive stature sets it apart in the plant world.
Where Does It Call Home?
This rare gem is native to the lower 48 United States, but here’s where things get really specific: Rubus densissimus is found only in West Virginia. Talk about a hometown hero! This extremely limited geographic distribution is part of what makes this species so special—and so vulnerable.
The Conservation Reality Check
Here’s where we need to have a serious conversation. The Morgantown blackberry carries a Global Conservation Status of S1, which translates to Critically Imperiled. This designation means the species is hanging on by a thread, with typically five or fewer known occurrences and fewer than 1,000 individual plants remaining in the wild. In plant conservation terms, this is about as urgent as it gets.
Should You Plant Morgantown Blackberry?
The short answer? Probably not. While it might be tempting to add this rare native to your garden, responsible gardening means considering the bigger picture. With so few individuals left in the wild, any plants available for purchase should ideally remain in conservation programs or specialized botanical collections working to preserve the species.
If you’re absolutely determined to grow this species, you must ensure any plant material is responsibly sourced through legitimate conservation efforts—never collected from wild populations. However, for most gardeners, the better choice is to support this species through conservation organizations while choosing more common native alternatives for your landscape.
Better Native Alternatives
West Virginia gardeners looking for native berry-producing shrubs have several wonderful options that won’t raise conservation red flags:
- Common blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) – produces abundant fruit and supports wildlife
- Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) – offers delicious berries and lovely white flowers
- Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) – provides berries for both wildlife and jelly-making
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) – offers berries for birds and stunning fall color
Supporting Conservation Efforts
The best way to help the Morgantown blackberry is to support organizations working to protect West Virginia’s rare plants. Consider donating to botanical gardens, native plant societies, or conservation groups that focus on preserving critically endangered species like this one.
Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for a plant is to admire it from afar and let the experts handle its care and propagation. The Morgantown blackberry serves as a reminder that our native flora includes species so rare they’re practically mythical—and that makes them all the more precious to protect.
The Takeaway
While you probably shouldn’t plant Rubus densissimus in your garden, learning about it connects us to the incredible diversity of native plants in our regions. Every time we choose common native alternatives over rare species, we’re making a conservation-minded decision that helps preserve these botanical treasures for future generations. Now that’s what we call gardening with purpose!
