Black Raspberry vs Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry) - TreeTime.ca

Black Raspberry vs Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry)

Rubus pubescens

Rubus occidentalis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry)
Black Raspberry

Dewberry (Rubus pubescens) is a native, low-growing perennial that spreads by creeping stems to form a natural groundcover. In spring, it bears small white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by bright red edible berries resembling tiny raspberries. They are an important food source for birds and mammals.

Widespread across Canada, Dewberry serves as a larval host plant for butterflies such as the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon), adding to its ecological value. It is a suitable choice for naturalization, pollinator gardens, habitat plantings, and ecological restoration projects.

The Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry) Quick Facts

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, trailing
Spreading: stolons - medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: reddish or purplish
Flowers: small, white
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: red, edible
Berries: red to black
Harvest: mid-summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: creeping red raspberry, dwarf raspberry, dwarf red blackberry, dwarf red raspberry, trailing raspberry
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap