Trailing Blackberry
Rubus ursinus
Also listed as Parmena menziesii, Rubus eastwoodianus
Also known as Pacific Trailing Blackberry, Pacific Dewberry, California Dewberry
Climate Match for your location
See how well Trailing Blackberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A low-growing native blackberry with trailing stems that spreads along the ground, producing small white or pink flowers in spring followed by edible black berries in summer. Excellent for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Why grow it
Trailing blackberry offers advantages over upright cultivars in situations where ground-level coverage is desired, particularly on slopes or disturbed sites. Its native status in western North America means it requires minimal inputs once established and supports regional wildlife. Unlike many ornamental groundcovers, it produces an edible crop while managing erosion, making it suitable for permaculture systems that integrate production with land stabilization.
Watch out for
This species spreads vigorously by rhizomes and layering stems, so site placement matters to prevent unwanted expansion into adjacent plantings. In areas with limited summer moisture, establish plants during the wet season and water regularly the first year to support deep rooting. The trailing growth habit means it benefits from periodic thinning to maintain plant vigor and fruit quality, rather than being left entirely unmanaged.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest and California
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low-growing native blackberry with trailing stems that spreads along the ground, producing small white or pink flowers in spring followed by edible black berries in summer. Excellent for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Trailing Blackberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Trailing blackberry offers advantages over upright cultivars in situations where ground-level coverage is desired, particularly on slopes or disturbed sites. Its native status in western North America means it requires minimal inputs once established and supports regional wildlife. Unlike many ornamental groundcovers, it produces an edible crop while managing erosion, making it suitable for permaculture systems that integrate production with land stabilization.
Watch out for
This species spreads vigorously by rhizomes and layering stems, so site placement matters to prevent unwanted expansion into adjacent plantings. In areas with limited summer moisture, establish plants during the wet season and water regularly the first year to support deep rooting. The trailing growth habit means it benefits from periodic thinning to maintain plant vigor and fruit quality, rather than being left entirely unmanaged.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest and California
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.