Rubus michiganensis
(Cardot.) L. H. Bailey
Michigan Dewberry
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(c) cassi saari, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by cassi saari
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(c) Ryan Sorrells, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Summary
Source: WikipediaRubus michiganensis, known as Michigan dewberry a North American species of dewberry in section Flagellares of the genus Rubus, a member of the rose family. It has been found in the Province of Ontario in central Canada, as well as in the Great Lakes region and in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States (Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey). Rubus michiganensis has trailing stems that grow horizontally across the surface of sandy soil or slightly below the surface. These produce herbaceous vertical stems that rise upwards, bearing compound leaves with 3, 5, or 7 leaflets.
Description
A deciduous shrub growing to 2 meters tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Suitable for light sandy and medium loamy soils with good drainage, in mildly acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline conditions. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun and adapts to either dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
The fruit is good quality and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Where It Grows
Fruit,
Propagation
Seed requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs one month of stratification at around 3°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Prick out seedlings once large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame, then plant out into permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July or August in a frame. Tip layer in July and plant out in autumn. Divide in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.
Other Uses
A purple to dull blue dye can be obtained from the fruit.
Other Information
Rosaceae
Notes
A trailing shrub.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Red Baneberry
Actaea rubra
Walter Siegmund (talk)
Michigan Dewberry
Rubus michiganensis
(c) cassi saari, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by cassi saari
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Michigan Dewberry: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (2)
- Mansfield's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops p 431
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
