New Brunswick Blackberry: A Rare Native Gem Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the hunt for something truly special, let me introduce you to one of North America’s rarest blackberries: the New Brunswick blackberry (Rubus gulosus). This little-known native shrub is about as elusive as they come, making it a fascinating subject for those interested in botanical rarities and conservation.
What Makes This Blackberry So Special?
The New Brunswick blackberry is a perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact compared to its more aggressive cousins. This low-growing beauty typically reaches just 1.5 feet tall, with some specimens maxing out at 3 feet – perfect for gardeners who love blackberries but don’t want to wrestle with towering canes that take over the yard.
As a member of the Rubus genus, it shares DNA with familiar favorites like raspberries and common blackberries, but this species has chosen a much more mysterious path through evolutionary history.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get really interesting (and a bit concerning). The New Brunswick blackberry is native to the lower 48 states, but its current known range has shrunk dramatically to primarily Maine. This extremely limited distribution is one of the reasons botanists are keeping a close eye on this species.
A Conservation Success Story in the Making
Before you start planning where to plant this rare beauty, there’s something important you need to know. Rubus gulosus carries a Global Conservation Status of S2?, which essentially means we think this plant is imperiled, but we need more information. In conservation speak, that’s a pretty big red flag.
This rarity status means that while this native plant would make an incredible addition to the right garden, it should only be grown using responsibly sourced material – never collected from wild populations. Think of it as adopting a rare breed dog: you want to support ethical breeding programs, not contribute to the problem.
Should You Grow New Brunswick Blackberry?
Here’s the honest truth: finding New Brunswick blackberry for your garden will be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most native plant nurseries don’t carry it simply because it’s so rare and poorly understood. But if you do manage to locate ethically sourced plants, here’s what you should consider:
The Pros:
- Compact size makes it manageable in small spaces
- Native status means it supports local ecosystems
- Likely produces berries for wildlife (and possibly humans)
- You’d be participating in conservation by growing a rare species
The Challenges:
- Extremely difficult to source responsibly
- Limited information about growing requirements
- May have very specific habitat needs
- Uncertain hardiness and adaptability
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, detailed growing information for Rubus gulosus is scarce. However, based on its native habitat in Maine and its relationship to other Rubus species, it likely prefers:
- Cooler climates (northern USDA zones)
- Well-draining but moisture-retentive soil
- Partial shade to full sun
- Acidic to neutral soil pH
If you’re lucky enough to grow this species, treat it like you would other native blackberries: provide consistent moisture, mulch around the base, and avoid heavy fertilization.
The Bigger Picture
While most of us will never have the opportunity to grow New Brunswick blackberry in our gardens, its story serves as an important reminder about the incredible diversity of native plants that exist right under our noses. Sometimes the most interesting species are the ones we know the least about.
If you’re inspired by rare natives but need something more available for your garden, consider other native Rubus species or native berry producers that support similar wildlife and fill comparable ecological niches. Your local native plant society can help you identify great alternatives that are both conservation-friendly and garden-ready.
After all, every native plant we grow – common or rare – is a small victory for biodiversity and a step toward creating landscapes that truly belong to their place.
