Herb: Northern Dewberry


Latin name: Rubus flagellaris


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Northern Dewberry:

The root is astringent, stimulant and tonic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, venereal disease and rheumatism. An infusion has been used as a wash in the treatment of piles. The root has been chewed as a treatment for a coated tongue. The leaves are astringent. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
20 cm
(7 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Dry fields, openings and borders of thickets in slightly acid soils.

Edible parts of Northern Dewberry:

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, preserves etc. A rich flavour. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter. Young shoots - peeled and eaten raw. They are harvested as they come through the ground in spring and whilst they are still young and tender. The dried leaves make a fine tea.

Other uses of the herb:

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. A black dye is obtained from the green twigs.

Propagation of Northern Dewberry:

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°C and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry fields, openings and borders of thickets in slightly acid soils.

Known hazards of Rubus flagellaris:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.