Swamp Dewberry is a delicate trailing bramble adapted to wet, acidic habitats of the northeastern United States and Canada, where few other Rubus species can thrive. Its slender stems creep along the ground with fine, bristly hairs rather than large prickles, and the small, dark red-to-black berries are less palatable to humans but readily eaten by birds. It is a characteristic plant of bogs, wet meadows, and swampy forest margins. The species often grows intertwined with sphagnum moss and other bog plants.
Best time to see a Swamp Dewberry
The best time to see a Swamp Dewberry is February–April, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 26,920 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Swamp Dewberry? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Swamp Dewberry sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Swamp Dewberry?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.