Herb: Southern Dewberry


Latin name: Rubus trivialis


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Southern Dewberry:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Stream banks, roadsides, thickets and old fields. Dry sandy soils.

Edible parts of Southern Dewberry:

Fruit - raw, cooked or used in jams, preserves etc. Large and well-flavoured. The fruit is about 3cm long and is very juicy and sweet.

Other uses of the herb:

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

Propagation of Southern 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:

Stream banks, roadsides, thickets and old fields. Dry sandy soils.

Known hazards of Rubus trivialis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.