Pocono Plateau Dewberry: A Rare Pennsylvania Native Worth Protecting
Meet the Pocono Plateau dewberry (Rubus porteri), a charming little shrub that’s as rare as it is delightful. This low-growing native is Pennsylvania’s own special dewberry, found nowhere else in the world except the unique ecosystem of the Pocono Plateau. If you’re lucky enough to encounter this plant or have the opportunity to grow it responsibly, you’re dealing with a true botanical treasure.
What Makes This Dewberry Special?
The Pocono Plateau dewberry is a perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact, typically growing less than 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. Like its berry-producing cousins, it produces lovely white flowers in spring that give way to edible red-to-black berries in summer. The thorny canes might require a bit of respect when handling, but that’s just part of this plant’s wild character.
What truly sets this dewberry apart isn’t just its size—it’s its exclusivity. This species is endemic to Pennsylvania, meaning it evolved specifically in this region and calls nowhere else home.
Geographic Distribution and Rarity
Rubus porteri grows exclusively in Pennsylvania, particularly in the distinctive Pocono Plateau region. This limited distribution makes it a plant of conservation concern, with a Global Conservation Status of S1?Q, indicating it’s considered rare and potentially at risk.
Important Conservation Note
Before you get too excited about adding this unique dewberry to your garden, there’s something crucial to understand: this plant is rare. Its limited distribution means that every population matters for the species’ survival. If you’re interested in growing Pocono Plateau dewberry, please ensure you’re obtaining plants from responsibly sourced, nursery-propagated stock—never from wild collection.
Consider this plant for your garden only if:
- You can source it from ethical, conservation-minded nurseries
- You’re committed to protecting and potentially propagating it
- You’re within or near its natural range in Pennsylvania
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re able to grow this special dewberry responsibly, you’ll find it adapts well to typical woodland conditions. The Pocono Plateau dewberry thrives in:
- USDA Hardiness Zones 5-7
- Acidic soils (matching its natural Pocono habitat)
- Partial shade to full sun
- Well-drained soils
Once established, this native is relatively low-maintenance. Like many Rubus species, it may spread via underground runners, creating natural colonies over time. This spreading habit actually mimics how the plant grows in its wild habitat.
Garden Role and Design Uses
In the right setting, Pocono Plateau dewberry serves as an excellent:
- Native groundcover for naturalized areas
- Addition to woodland or shade gardens
- Component of native plant collections
- Wildlife habitat plant
Its low stature makes it perfect for areas where you want native coverage without overwhelming height.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
The spring flowers of Pocono Plateau dewberry attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to local ecosystem health. The berries, when they develop, provide food for birds and small mammals. As a rare native plant, maintaining populations of this species helps preserve the intricate web of relationships it has developed with local wildlife over thousands of years.
Should You Plant It?
The Pocono Plateau dewberry presents a unique opportunity and responsibility. If you can source it ethically and are committed to being a steward for this rare species, growing it can contribute to conservation efforts. However, if responsibly sourced plants aren’t available, consider supporting this species in other ways—perhaps by contributing to habitat conservation efforts or native plant societies working to protect Pennsylvania’s unique flora.
For most gardeners, focusing on other native Rubus species or Pennsylvania natives that aren’t rare might be the more responsible choice while still supporting local ecosystems.
Remember, every rare plant in cultivation is a victory for conservation, but only when grown responsibly and ethically.
