While they belong to the same species, there are a number of differences between a dewberry vs blackberry. You may not have ever heard of a dewberry before now, but what makes it special, and how is it similar to the blackberry, especially when you consider the fact that they are technically related to one another?
In this article, we will compare and contrast dewberries and blackberries so that you can fully understand both of them as individuals. We will go over their physical descriptions, what they are commonly used for, where they grow best, and what they taste like. Let’s get started and learn all about these two berry varieties now!
Comparing Dewberry vs Blackberry
| Dewberry | Blackberry | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Rubus | Rubus |
| Description | Small purplish black berries grow on thorny vines that trail on the ground. Delicate and difficult to pick when ripe, and contains fewer seeds than the average blackberry. Some varieties have a waxy coating | Rich black colorations and a slightly elongated berry. Composed of many small drupelets and changes color while on the vine. Vines grow along ground, as bushes, and shoots out more upright stems. Many seeds in a single berry, often evident as you chew |
| Uses | Leaves are useful for teas, while the berries are used in pies or cobblers often. Can be used interchangeably for blackberries | Used around the world in jams, pies, and more, or eaten raw. Bitterness makes it less palatable to some, but many blackberry varieties are sweet |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-10; grows on vines along ground | 5-10; grows on a bush |
| Flavor and Texture | Flavorful and sour- more tart than sweet, but gets sweeter the more it ripens on the vine | Sour and earthy, with a bit of sweetness. Soft to the touch and juicy, and may stain hands or clothes |
Key Differences Between Dewberry vs Blackberry
Dewberries are known as
Rubus flagellaris, while blackberries are known as
Rubus allegheniensis.
©iStock.com/Bildvision_AB
There are a number of key differences between a dewberry vs blackberry. For example, dewberry plants grow along the ground, while blackberries grow on bushes. There are typically more seeds in a blackberry compared to a dewberry. Blackberries are typically shinier in appearance compared to the average dewberry.Â
Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now.
Dewberry vs Blackberry: Classification
Dewberries and blackberries belong to the same plant family, though they are different varieties found under the same classification. For example, blackberries and blueberries belong to the Rubus family, though you can further classify them using different scientific names. Dewberries are known as Rubus flagellaris, while blackberries are known as Rubus allegheniensis.
Dewberry vs Blackberry: Description
Dewberry plants grow along the ground, while blackberries grow on bushes.
©iStock.com/syaber
It can be very difficult to tell a blackberry apart from a dewberry upon first glance. They are strikingly similar to one another in their coloring, both exhibiting a purplish black hue. However, blackberries tend to have more drupelets and seeds compared to the average dewberry. Dewberries also have a waxy coating depending on the variety, which means they are less shiny compared to blackberries.
In addition, the way in which dewberries and blackberries grow is different from one another. Depending on the variety of dewberry, these berries grow on vines along the ground, while blackberries grow on bushes and in a more upright fashion. This is difficult to tell if you are unfamiliar with these berries and how they grow in the wild, but if you are a forager, this is an important distinction to make between the two plants.
Dewberry vs Blackberry: Uses
There are typically more seeds in a blackberry compared to a dewberry.
©iStock.com/Voren1
Given that they are so similar in their relation to one another and in their flavors, dewberries and blackberries are used for many of the same things. For example, the young leaves from both the dewberry and the blackberry plant are used in a variety of teas and for medicinal purposes. The flavor of both of these berries lends well to cobblers and pies, depending on where you live. In fact, many people choose to use dewberries interchangeably with blackberries, depending on availability.
Dewberry vs Blackberry: Hardiness Zones
Dewberries and blackberries grow in similar regions to one another, and have very similar needs. For example, both blackberries and dewberries grow in hardiness zones 5 through 10, making them fairly stable in a variety of environments. There are also some varieties that grow better in certain areas, such as the European dewberry. For the most part, both of these plants are unique in that they thrive in a number of locations, and are hardy against drought and frost.
Dewberry vs Blackberry: Flavor and Texture
Blackberries are typically shinier in appearance compared to the average dewberry.
©iStock.com/Tim UR
We’ve already mentioned that the flavor of dewberries is often interchangeable for the flavor of blackberries. In fact, many people mention that dewberries are more tart and extreme in their flavor compared to the average blackberry. However, this is likely also due to the fact that dewberries are picked fresh in a foraging environment, while blackberries are often found in commercial settings.
No matter what you prefer, both berries have things to offer you. Keep in mind that blackberries typically have more seeds compared to dewberries, though both of these berries will stain your hands and clothes if you aren’t careful. Branching out from the typical blackberry plant is a great idea for those of you helping to grow something more unique in your garden. The dewberry may be your next favorite berry!
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Bildvision_AB
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