Mt. Desert Island Blackberry: A Rare Maine Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a passion for botanical rarities, you might have stumbled across Rubus ortivus, better known as Mt. Desert Island blackberry. This little-known native shrub is one of those plants that makes you appreciate just how diverse and specialized our native flora can be – even within a single state.
What Makes This Blackberry Special?
Mt. Desert Island blackberry (Rubus ortivus) is a perennial shrub that’s as exclusive as it sounds. This low-growing native typically stays under 1.5 feet tall, with some specimens reaching up to 3 feet at maturity. Unlike its more common blackberry cousins that seem to pop up everywhere, this species has chosen to call just one place home: Maine.
You might also see this plant referenced by its botanical synonyms, including Rubus perinvisus L.H. Bailey and Rubus vermontanus Blanch. var. ortivus, though Rubus ortivus is the accepted name today.
Where Does It Grow?
Here’s where things get really interesting (and a bit concerning from a conservation standpoint). Mt. Desert Island blackberry is found only in Maine, making it what botanists call an endemic species. Its distribution is incredibly limited, which contributes to its rarity status.
Should You Plant Mt. Desert Island Blackberry?
This is where we need to have a serious conversation. Mt. Desert Island blackberry has a Global Conservation Status of S3?Q, which indicates there are concerns about its population stability, though the exact status remains somewhat undefined. Because of its extremely limited range and uncertain conservation status, this isn’t a plant you should be casually adding to your garden wish list.
Important conservation note: If you’re interested in this species, please only consider plants from verified, responsibly sourced nursery stock – never collect from wild populations. Better yet, consider supporting conservation efforts for this rare native instead of trying to grow it yourself.
Growing Conditions (If You Can Source It Responsibly)
Since specific growing information for Rubus ortivus is limited due to its rarity, we can make educated guesses based on other native Rubus species and its Maine habitat:
- Hardiness zones: Likely zones 3-6, given its Maine origins
- Light requirements: Probably partial shade to full sun
- Soil preferences: Well-draining soil with consistent moisture
- Growth habit: Low, spreading shrub perfect for naturalized areas
Garden Role and Landscape Use
In the hypothetical scenario where you could responsibly source this plant, Mt. Desert Island blackberry would likely work well in:
- Native plant gardens focused on Maine flora
- Naturalized woodland edges
- Conservation plantings
- Specialized botanical collections
As a member of the Rubus genus, it would probably produce the characteristic small white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by small dark berries that wildlife appreciate – though specific pollinator and wildlife benefits for this particular species aren’t well documented.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Given the rarity and conservation concerns surrounding Mt. Desert Island blackberry, consider these more readily available native Rubus species instead:
- Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – widespread and garden-friendly
- Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) – great for wildlife
- Dwarf red raspberry (Rubus pubescens) – similar low-growing habit
These alternatives will give you the ecological benefits of native Rubus species without putting pressure on rare populations.
The Bottom Line
Mt. Desert Island blackberry is one of those fascinating plants that reminds us how much botanical diversity exists in small corners of our continent. While it’s tempting to want to grow every interesting native plant we discover, sometimes the best thing we can do for a species is admire it from afar and support habitat conservation efforts instead.
If you’re passionate about Maine natives, focus on the more common species that can thrive in cultivation while supporting the organizations working to protect rare plants like Rubus ortivus in their natural habitats. That’s how we ensure future generations can discover and appreciate these botanical treasures too.