The Pen Suck Dewberry: A Comprehensive Guide to a Unique Plant

The pen suck dewberry (Rubus pensilvanicus), also known as the running blackberry or Allegheny blackberry, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family. This perennial shrub is native to North America, ranging from eastern Canada to the southeastern United States.

Known for its distinct drooping growth habit and edible fruit, the pen suck dewberry is often found in thickets, woodlands, and along roadsides.

Characteristics and Growth Habits

The pen suck dewberry is a thorny, trailing vine that can reach up to 10 feet in length. It has trifoliate leaves with coarsely serrated margins and prominent veins. The stems are covered in small, curved prickles that can be sharp and irritating.

From mid-summer to fall, the pen suck dewberry produces white flowers in clusters of 2-5. The flowers are approximately 1 inch in diameter and have five petals with numerous yellow stamens.

The fruit of the pen suck dewberry is an aggregate drupe, similar to a blackberry. It is initially green and turns black when ripe, containing numerous small seeds. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, tart flavor.

Distribution and Habitat

The pen suck dewberry is widely distributed in eastern North America. It is most commonly found in moist, well-drained soils in forests, thickets, meadows, and along roadsides. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and can also grow in partial shade to full sun.

Uses and Benefits

Edible Fruit

The fruit of the pen suck dewberry is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and iron. It can be eaten fresh, used in pies, jams, and jellies, or dried for later use.

Medicinal Uses

Historically, the pen suck dewberry has been used medicinally to treat various ailments. The leaves and roots have been used as a herbal tea to soothe sore throats and digestive issues. The fruit has also been used to make tinctures and syrups for treating colds and flu.

Wildlife Value

The pen suck dewberry provides food and shelter for various wildlife species. Birds, mammals, and insects rely on the fruit, leaves, and stems for sustenance and habitat.

Cultivation and Propagation

The pen suck dewberry is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens and landscapes. It can be grown from seed or cuttings and prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The plants require regular watering and occasional fertilization.

To propagate the pen suck dewberry, you can take root cuttings in the spring or layering in the summer. Root cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or sand. Layering involves burying a portion of the stem in the ground, which will eventually develop roots.

Interesting Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Case of the Prickly Surprise

A group of hikers was exploring a dense forest when they stumbled upon a patch of pen suck dewberries. Excited by the prospect of fresh fruit, they eagerly began to harvest the berries. However, they quickly discovered the sharp prickles on the stems and vines, which left painful scratches on their hands.

Lesson Learned: Always wear gloves when harvesting pen suck dewberries!

Story 2: The Pen Suck Dewberry Marathon

A group of competitive athletes decided to hold a race to see who could eat the most pen suck dewberries in one sitting. The contestants consumed dozens of berries, staining their faces and hands with deep purple juice. In the end, a young woman emerged victorious, earning the nickname "Pen Suck Dewberry Queen."

Lesson Learned: Pen suck dewberries can be addictive, but don't overdo it!

Story 3: The Pen Suck Dewberry Scramble

A family was having a picnic in a park when they noticed a swarm of children running through a patch of pen suck dewberries. The children were laughing and squealing, their clothes and faces covered in berry juice. The parents realized that the children had turned the berry patch into an impromptu obstacle course.

Lesson Learned: Pen suck dewberries can provide endless entertainment, even for the most unlikely of participants.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Nutritional Value of Pen Suck Dewberries (per 100 grams)

Table 2: Comparison of Pen Suck Dewberries to Other Blackberries

Table 3: Pros and Cons of Growing Pen Suck Dewberries

How to: A Step-by-Step Approach to Harvesting Pen Suck Dewberries

1. Identify ripe berries: Look for black berries that are firm and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid picking green or overripe berries.
2. Wear protective clothing: Put on gloves and long sleeves to avoid being scratched by the prickles.
3. Choose a sunny day: Harvesting is easier on a dry, sunny day when the berries are less likely to be wet or moldy.
4. Use a gentle touch: Carefully pick the berries by pinching the stem just below the fruit. Do not pull the berries off, as this can damage the plant.
5. Place berries in a container: Collect the berries in a clean, shallow container to avoid crushing them.
6. Store berries properly: Refrigerate the berries in a single layer within 24 hours of harvesting. They will keep for up to a week.

Call to Action

If you are interested in growing or harvesting pen suck dewberries, consider the following steps:

• Consult with a local nursery: Ask for guidance on selecting the right varieties and cultivation practices for your area.
• Choose a suitable location: Plant pen suck dewberries in a well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
• Provide support: Trellis or stake the plants to prevent them from becoming overgrown.
• Harvest responsibly: Follow the steps outlined in the "How to Harvest" section to avoid damaging the plants and ensure optimal fruit quality.
• Enjoy the fruits of your labor: Use the pen suck dewberries fresh, in recipes, or for medicinal purposes.

By following these tips, you can successfully cultivate and enjoy the unique fruits and benefits of the pen suck dewberry.