A Commonly Overlooked Common Native Plant

Thursday, March 10, 2016

When it comes to wildlife habitat, there really is nothing trivial about the Southern Dewberry, Rubus trivialis:

Frequently considered a weed, the Southern Dewberry, known in Spanish as zarzamora, grows abundantly in Bexar County providing beneficial shelter and food for wildlife. Dewberry's arching stems covered with abundant sharp prickles form dense mats that give protection from predators and shelter for numerous small animals. The white flowers bloom in March and April making them one of the important early Spring nectar sources for pollinators.

The ripe fruit is a dark reddish-purple berry resembling its close cousin, the blackberry. Before foraging recently went out of fashion, the Dewberry was a popular food item for people. It continues to be a critical food source for berry eating birds and mammals.

These photos were taken on a walk along the Mission San Juan, Mission Reach loop trail on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.