Southern Dewberry is a trailing, vine-like woody perennial; a native here in Florida and found throughout the state. Growing to 10 feet in height, the plant has intertwining branches with short downward pointing barbs along the length of the stems. The stiff, compound dark green leaves have coarse, toothed edges and appear along spiny stalks. The large, solitary flowers are borne on short, prickly flower stalks. Flowers are 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches wide, with 5 white oblong petals that are often tinged with pink. Fruit is a 1/2 to 1 1/4 inch rounded red berry that turns black at maturity and looks similar to a blackberry. Southern Dewberry is found in habitats of dry woods, along roadsides in thickets and pinelands.

Southern Dewberry is important to wildlife, providing nectar for insects and fruit for birds and small mammals. This plant holds special value to native bees, providing nesting materials and nesting structures.

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Dewberries bloom here in spring along with others in the Rubus family, such as the blackberry bramble. I must say that I will seek out the dewberry vines (and keep track of the ripening fruit until they are ready for picking) because they have the plumpest and sweetest fruits of all.

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