Openground Dewberry: A Rare Native Worth Protecting (But Maybe Not Planting)
If you’ve stumbled across the name openground dewberry in your native plant research, you’ve discovered one of North America’s more mysterious berry species. Rubus furtivus is a plant that lives up to its scientific name – furtivus means stealthy or secretive, and this little shrub has certainly mastered the art of flying under the radar.
What Exactly Is Openground Dewberry?
Openground dewberry is a native perennial shrub that belongs to the same family as blackberries and raspberries. But don’t expect to see this one at your local nursery – it’s one of nature’s rare gems that prefers to keep a low profile. This compact shrub typically stays under 1.5 feet tall and rarely exceeds 3 feet even at full maturity, making it quite the diminutive member of the Rubus family.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit concerning). Openground dewberry has an extremely limited native range, found primarily in New York state. This tiny geographic footprint is one of the reasons why this species has managed to stay so mysterious for so long.
The Rarity Reality Check
Before we go any further, let’s address the elephant in the garden: Rubus furtivus has a Global Conservation Status of S2?Q, which essentially means we think it might be rare, but we’re not entirely sure because we don’t know enough about it. That question mark in the status should give us all pause.
When a plant species is this poorly understood and potentially rare, the responsible thing for home gardeners to do is step back and admire it from afar rather than trying to cultivate it in our yards.
Why You Should Probably Skip This One
As much as we love celebrating native plants, openground dewberry falls into that special category of species that are better left to conservation efforts rather than backyard gardens. Here’s why:
- Its rarity status means removing plants from wild populations could harm already vulnerable communities
- Very little is known about its specific growing requirements, making successful cultivation unlikely
- Seeds or plants are not available through responsible commercial sources
- Its ecological role is better served by protecting existing wild populations
Better Native Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of trying to track down this elusive dewberry, consider these more common and garden-friendly native Rubus species:
- Common dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) – widely available and great for wildlife
- Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – native varieties offer both fruit and wildlife value
- Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) – excellent for birds and pollinators
- Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) – beautiful white flowers and interesting foliage
How You Can Help
Rather than trying to grow openground dewberry, here’s how you can support this rare species:
- Support habitat conservation organizations in New York
- Choose well-documented native alternatives for your garden
- Report any suspected sightings to local botanists or conservation groups
- Advocate for native plant habitat protection in your area
The Bigger Picture
Openground dewberry serves as a perfect reminder that not every native plant is meant for our gardens – and that’s perfectly okay! Some species play their most important role as wild inhabitants of specific ecosystems. By choosing well-documented, readily available native alternatives, we can create beautiful, wildlife-friendly gardens while leaving the rare and mysterious species to thrive in their natural habitats.
Sometimes the best way to love a plant is to let it be wild and free. Openground dewberry is definitely one of those times.
