Dewberry, Blackberry, Zarzamora

Rubus riograndis

Family: Rosaceae

Plant Description: Evergreen woody-based perennial or subshrub with many curved prickles on stems, stems to 1 m or longer. Leaves 3- to 5- foliolate, the leaflets ovate or obovate, 1-8 cm long, alternate, compound with 3 leaflets with toothed margins. Flowers mostly solitary, radial. Petals 5, 10-15 mm long, white. Fruit 1-2 cm long, black.

Plant Trivia: Flowers attractive, fruits edible. Flower resembles old fashioned roses. Spanish name translates as “blackberry.”

Field Identification:

Occurrence: Common along streams and occasional ravines, oak mottes, and coastal woods

Bloom Period: March – May

Plant Use: Sweet fruit for human jams, jellies, cobblers, etc. Food for mammals and birds.