Rhode Island Dewberry: A Critically Rare Native Treasure
Meet the Rhode Island dewberry (Rubus prosper), one of America’s rarest native shrubs. This little-known member of the rose family is so uncommon that most gardeners have never heard of it—and for good reason. This perennial shrub exists in such small numbers that it’s considered critically imperiled.
What Makes This Plant So Special?
The Rhode Island dewberry is a low-growing native shrub that typically stays under 1.5 feet tall, never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. As its common name suggests, this species is native to Rhode Island, where it clings to existence in just a handful of locations.
The Reality of Rarity
Here’s where things get serious: Rubus prosper carries a Global Conservation Status of S1?, meaning it’s critically imperiled. This classification indicates that typically only 5 or fewer populations exist, with very few remaining individuals (fewer than 1,000 plants total). In plain English? This plant is teetering on the edge of extinction.
Should You Plant Rhode Island Dewberry?
The short answer is: probably not, and here’s why:
- It’s extremely difficult to source responsibly
- Taking plants from wild populations could harm remaining native stands
- Its specific growing requirements are poorly understood
- Conservation efforts should focus on protecting existing populations first
If you’re absolutely determined to grow this species, only work with reputable native plant nurseries that can guarantee their stock comes from ethical propagation programs—not wild collection.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of risking harm to wild populations, consider these native dewberry alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Northern dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) – more widely available and equally valuable to wildlife
- Common dewberry (Rubus hispidus) – another low-growing native option
- Wild blackberry species native to your region
Why This Plant Matters
Even though you shouldn’t plant Rhode Island dewberry in your garden, it’s worth understanding why it matters. Like other members of the Rubus genus, it likely provides important benefits to native wildlife, including nectar for pollinators and berries for birds and small mammals. Its extreme rarity makes every remaining plant precious for maintaining genetic diversity.
Growing Conditions and Care
Due to its rarity, specific cultivation information for Rhode Island dewberry is limited. Based on its Rhode Island origins, it likely thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-7. However, without more research, we can’t provide reliable growing tips—another reason to choose better-documented native alternatives for your landscape.
The Bottom Line
Rhode Island dewberry represents the fragile nature of our native plant heritage. Rather than trying to grow this critically rare species, the best thing gardeners can do is support conservation efforts and choose abundant native alternatives that provide similar ecological benefits without risking harm to endangered populations.
Sometimes the most responsible gardening choice is knowing when not to plant something—and this is definitely one of those times.
