Dewberry facts for kids

Ripe European dewberry

A dewberry is a type of berry that looks a lot like a blackberry. These tasty berries are usually a very dark blue or almost black when they are ripe. Unlike blackberries that often grow on upright bushes, dewberries usually grow on long, trailing vines that spread out along the ground.

What are Dewberries?

Dewberries belong to the Rubus family, which also includes popular fruits like blackberries and raspberries. They get their name because they often have a shiny, "dewy" look, and they tend to ripen earlier in the summer, sometimes when the morning dew is still on the plants.

How are Dewberries Different from Blackberries?

While dewberries and blackberries look very similar, there are a few key differences:

• Growth Habit: Dewberries grow on low-lying, trailing vines that spread along the ground. Blackberries usually grow on more upright canes or bushes.
• Ripening Time: Dewberries often ripen a bit earlier in the season than most blackberries.
• Fruit Structure: Both are "aggregate fruits," meaning they are made up of many small, juicy sections called drupelets. When you pick a dewberry, the core (or torus) usually stays with the berry, just like with a blackberry.

Where Do Dewberries Grow?

Dewberries are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are quite hardy plants and can grow in various places.

Common Habitats

You can often find dewberry plants in:

• Open fields
• Forest clearings
• Along roadsides
• In disturbed areas where the soil has been moved
• Sunny spots, as they love sunlight to grow and produce fruit

Types of Dewberries

There are several different kinds of dewberries, depending on where they grow. Some of the well-known types include:

• Northern Dewberry: Found in the northern parts of North America.
• Southern Dewberry: Common in the southeastern United States.
• European Dewberry: Also known as Rubus caesius, found across Europe and parts of Asia.

Each type might have slight differences in its berries or plant structure, but they all share the common characteristics of growing on trailing vines and producing dark, juicy fruits.

Enjoying Dewberries

Dewberries are known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor. They are delicious eaten fresh right off the vine, but they are also very versatile for cooking.

Ways to Use Dewberries

People enjoy dewberries in many ways:

• Fresh: A healthy and tasty snack.
• Pies and Cobblers: Their juicy sweetness makes them perfect for baked desserts.
• Jams and Jellies: They can be cooked down into delicious preserves.
• Syrups: Used to flavor pancakes, waffles, or drinks.
• Smoothies: Added for a burst of fruity flavor and nutrients.

Like many berries, dewberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are good for your body.

Images for kids

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  Rubus caesius flower

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  Wild dewberries, picked in North Texas

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  Rubus caesius pollination by red-tailed bumblebee

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  European dewberry growing on sand dunes at Newborough, Wales