Rubus baileyanus, commonly known as Bailey’s dewberry, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and thickets across the eastern and north-central United States, with a particular affinity for the Appalachian Mountains. Its range extends from Massachusetts, Ontario, and Wisconsin south to Missouri, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Bailey’s dewberry typically forms low, trailing clumps reaching up to 2 feet in height and spreading wider. It features compound leaves with three to five leaflets and produces small, white flowers in the spring that give way to edible, blackberry-like fruits in the summer.

The plant is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and provide food for wildlife. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as ground cover, and for its edible berries. Bailey’s dewberry thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. While it is low-maintenance, it can become invasive if not managed properly. Gardeners should be aware of its thorny stems and potential to spread via runners.CC BY-SA 4.0