Schoolcraft’s Dewberry: A Little-Known Native Gem for Great Lakes Gardeners
If you’re on the hunt for truly local native plants in the Great Lakes region, you might stumble across the intriguing Schoolcraft’s dewberry (Rubus schoolcraftianus). This low-growing native shrub is one of those hidden gems that doesn’t get much attention in mainstream gardening circles – and honestly, there’s a good reason for that. Let’s dive into what makes this plant special and whether it deserves a spot in your garden.
What is Schoolcraft’s Dewberry?
Schoolcraft’s dewberry is a perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact, typically growing under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. As a member of the Rubus genus (think raspberries and blackberries), it shares some family traits but maintains its own unique character as a low-growing, spreading plant.
This native species calls the Great Lakes region home, specifically documented in Michigan and Wisconsin. It’s named after Henry Schoolcraft, a 19th-century geographer and ethnologist who explored the Great Lakes region – a fitting namesake for a plant that seems to prefer staying close to its Great Lakes roots.
The Mystery Plant Dilemma
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating): Schoolcraft’s dewberry is something of an enigma in the gardening world. Despite being a legitimate native species, there’s surprisingly little information available about its specific growing requirements, ornamental value, or ecological benefits. This lack of documentation makes it challenging to recommend with confidence.
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its natural distribution and wetland status as facultative (meaning it can grow in both wet and dry conditions), Schoolcraft’s dewberry appears to be fairly adaptable. Given its Great Lakes native range, it’s likely hardy in USDA zones 3-6, making it suitable for gardeners dealing with harsh northern winters.
As a facultative wetland plant, it should tolerate:
- Variable moisture conditions
- Both sunny and partially shaded locations
- Typical Great Lakes region soils
Should You Plant It?
This is where the honest gardening advice comes in. While supporting native plants is always admirable, Schoolcraft’s dewberry presents some practical challenges:
Potential benefits:
- True native status for Michigan and Wisconsin gardeners
- Low-growing habit suitable for groundcover use
- Likely provides some wildlife value (though undocumented)
- Adaptable to various moisture conditions
Potential drawbacks:
- Extremely limited availability in nurseries
- Lack of documented ornamental value
- Unknown wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Difficulty finding reliable growing information
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of native Rubus species but want something more reliable and available, consider these well-documented alternatives:
- Northern dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) – Better documented, more widely available
- Wild red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – Excellent wildlife value, edible berries
- Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) – Attractive foliage, good for shade
The Bottom Line
Schoolcraft’s dewberry represents one of those fascinating botanical footnotes – a legitimate native species that hasn’t made the leap into mainstream horticulture. While there’s something appealing about growing a plant that few others have, the lack of available information and nursery stock makes it more of a botanist’s curiosity than a practical garden choice.
If you do manage to locate this elusive native (perhaps through specialized native plant societies in Michigan or Wisconsin), approach it as an experimental addition rather than a garden mainstay. And if you do grow it successfully, consider documenting your experience – you might be contributing valuable knowledge about a little-known native treasure.
