Rubus allegheniensis
Common names: Alleghany blackberry, blackberry, common blackberry, dewberry, Graves’ blackberry
Description: perennial shrub
Native region and distribution: eastern U.S. and Canada, now also found in California and British Columbia
Urban habitat: commonly found in parks, vacant lots, waste dumps, meadows, fields, woodland edges, dry sunny slopes, along roadsides, railroads, fences, disturbed sites; tolerates variety of soil conditions.
Ecological function: food for wildlife, birds, bees, wasps, ants, butterflies, beetles. Provides habitat for bees, birds, and small mammals.
History: Rubus allegheniensis bears fruit that is loved by many animals including humans which allows the plant to spread its seed widely. Other parts of the plant have been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. Various Native American tribes used its leaves and roots to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, colds, coughs, stomachache, eye problems, headaches, rheumatism, tuberculosis, venereal disease, dysentery, urinary infections, as a stimulant and as a preventative against miscarriage. The Iriquois also used the roots for ceremonial purposes. Its fruit has been eaten raw, cooked, as juice, and dried. The young shoots are consumed raw in salads. A purple/blue dye can be obtained from the fruit.