Rio Grande Dewberry: A Native Texas Ground Cover Worth Considering
If you’re looking for a native Texas plant that stays close to the ground and offers the potential for delicious berries, you might want to get acquainted with the Rio Grande dewberry (Rubus riograndis). This lesser-known native shrub is one of those quiet performers in the plant world – not flashy, but potentially valuable for the right gardener.
What Is Rio Grande Dewberry?
Rio Grande dewberry is a perennial, low-growing shrub that rarely gets taller than 1.5 feet, and never exceeds 3 feet at maturity. Think of it as nature’s way of keeping berry bushes at a manageable height. This native species belongs to the same genus as blackberries and raspberries, so you can expect similar trailing, thorny canes that spread along the ground.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonyms Rubus duplaris or Rubus trivialis var. duplaris in some older botanical references, but Rubus riograndis is the accepted scientific name today.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This dewberry is native to the lower 48 states, with its known natural range currently documented in Texas. As a true Texas native, it’s adapted to the specific climate and soil conditions found in the Lone Star State.
Why Consider Growing Rio Grande Dewberry?
Here are some potential reasons this native shrub might earn a spot in your landscape:
- Native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing plants that naturally belong in your area
- Low maintenance potential: Native plants typically require less water and care once established
- Ground cover option: Its low-growing habit makes it suitable for areas where you need something that stays short
- Berry potential: Like other Rubus species, it likely produces edible berries (though taste and productivity may vary)
- Wildlife value: Berry-producing natives often provide food for birds and small mammals
Growing Conditions and Care
Since specific growing information for Rio Grande dewberry is limited in current literature, we can make educated guesses based on its Texas nativity and relationship to other dewberries:
- Sunlight: Likely prefers full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Probably adaptable to various soil types, as most Texas natives are
- Water: Once established, should be drought-tolerant like other Texas natives
- USDA Zones: Likely suited for zones where it naturally occurs in Texas
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Rio Grande dewberry might be a good choice if you:
- Live in Texas and want to support native biodiversity
- Need a low-growing ground cover for naturalized areas
- Enjoy foraging and want to try native berries
- Prefer plants that don’t require intensive maintenance
However, you might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Need a formal, manicured appearance (thorny, spreading canes aren’t always tidy)
- Have very small children who play in the area (thorns can be an issue)
- Want guaranteed high berry production (productivity is unknown for this species)
The Challenge of Growing Rio Grande Dewberry
Here’s the honest truth: finding Rio Grande dewberry plants or seeds for purchase may prove challenging. This appears to be one of those native species that hasn’t made it into mainstream cultivation yet. Your best bet might be contacting native plant societies in Texas or specialized native plant nurseries.
If you can’t locate Rio Grande dewberry specifically, consider other native Texas Rubus species or similar low-growing native shrubs that offer comparable benefits and are more readily available.
The Bottom Line
Rio Grande dewberry represents the kind of native plant that deserves more attention – a low-maintenance, potentially useful species that supports local ecosystems. While we’d love to know more about its specific growing requirements and garden performance, its native status alone makes it worth considering for Texas gardeners interested in supporting biodiversity.
Just remember that with lesser-known natives like this one, you’re partly pioneering. Document your experiences growing it, and you might help future gardeners understand this native gem better!
