Thicket Dewberry: A Hardy Native Ground Cover for Wildlife Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance native plant that feeds wildlife while requiring minimal fuss, let me introduce you to the thicket dewberry (Rubus permixtus). This unassuming little shrub might not win any beauty contests, but it’s a workhorse in the native plant world – and your local wildlife will absolutely love you for planting it.
What Exactly Is Thicket Dewberry?
Thicket dewberry is a perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact, typically growing under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. Think of it as blackberry’s well-behaved cousin – it has the same family traits but won’t take over your entire yard. This low-growing native produces small white flowers in late spring, followed by tiny blackberry-like fruits that wildlife absolutely devour.
You might also encounter this plant under several botanical synonyms, including Rubus distinctus, Rubus elongatus, Rubus laevior, Rubus sharpii, and Rubus vegrandis – botanists have had quite the debate about this one over the years!
Where Does Thicket Dewberry Call Home?
This native beauty hails from the northeastern United States, naturally growing across eleven states: Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. It’s particularly well-adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the Great Lakes region and New England.
Why Your Garden (and Local Wildlife) Will Thank You
Here’s where thicket dewberry really shines – it’s like setting up a wildlife buffet in your backyard. The spring flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when they need nectar most. Later in the season, birds and small mammals feast on the berries, while the dense, low growth provides excellent cover for ground-nesting birds and small creatures.
From a design perspective, thicket dewberry excels as a ground cover in naturalized areas. It’s perfect for:
- Woodland garden edges
- Slope stabilization and erosion control
- Wildlife habitat plantings
- Native plant restoration projects
- Low-maintenance landscape areas
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about thicket dewberry is its easygoing nature. This adaptable native thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, making it suitable for most northern gardens. It’s happy in partial shade to full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, from moist to moderately dry.
The key to success? Don’t overthink it. Plant in spring, give it some initial water to get established, and then largely leave it alone. This is not a plant that needs coddling – it’s evolved to thrive in the sometimes harsh conditions of the northeastern landscape.
Planting and Long-Term Care Tips
Getting started with thicket dewberry couldn’t be simpler:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart if creating a ground cover area
- Water regularly the first season to establish roots
- Apply a light mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Minimal pruning needed – just remove any dead canes in late winter
Be aware that like most Rubus species, thicket dewberry can spread via underground runners. This makes it excellent for erosion control and naturalizing large areas, but you’ll want to consider this spreading habit when choosing its location in your garden.
The Bottom Line
Thicket dewberry might not be the flashiest plant in the garden center, but it’s exactly the kind of reliable, beneficial native that forms the backbone of a healthy ecosystem. If you have space for a low-growing, wildlife-friendly ground cover that basically takes care of itself once established, this little dewberry deserves serious consideration. Your local birds, bees, and butterflies will be sending you thank-you notes – if they could write, that is!
