Rubus caesius - European dewberry

Rubus caesius, known as dewberry, blue bramble, field bramble, small bramble or blueberry bramble, is an undershrub of the Rosaceae family, widespread in Europe and Northern Asia. Adapted to rich and moist soils, this hardy, honey-producing plant is recognisable by its white flowers followed by small chalky, dark blue fruits. Easygoing and low-maintenance, it finds its place in natural gardens, in a small hedge or the understory.

The dewberry is a species of the flora of Europe and northern Asia. It is commonly found in central Europe, in the Alps up to 1000 m altitude, in various habitats such as sparse riparian forests (vegetation growing along rivers and streams), forest edges, riverbanks, field edges, paths, ditches, among hedges and on rubble. Rubus caesius is a small shrub with long trailing arching branches, often creeping, which can reach a height of 50 cm to 1 m. Its cylindrical, bluish stems are covered with slender, almost straight prickles measuring from 2 to 5 mm long, capable of causing injuries. The deciduous leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. They are composed of three toothed, ovate to lanceolate and hairy leaflets. The upper surface is light green and smooth, while the underside is covered with a soft down. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow to orange before falling. The white, 3 cm wide flowers, grouped in small spiny corymbs, appear from May to September. The fruits are spherical chalky, bluish polydrupes. They are edible but not very tasty. This plant has an extensive and shallow root system. It grows in nutrient-rich, moist to wet soils, often limestone, loamy, and clayey.

The dewberry is a robust and hardy plant, interesting for creating natural hedges or feeding bees with its nectar-rich flowering. It also lends itself well to the design of large borders in wild gardens or semi-natural areas that are a bit neglected. This Rubus caesius can be planted with native species sharing the same preferences for rich and moist soils. Especially Black Elder (Sambucus nigra), Red Elder (Sambucus racemosa), Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Together, these plants contribute to a diverse environment that is favourable to local wildlife while adding a natural touch to the garden.