Rubus multifer is a North American species of dewberry in section Procumbentes of the genus Rubus, a member of the rose family. It is commonly known as Kinnikinnick dewberry or fruitful dewberry. It is rare or under-documented in most of its range extending from Minnesota to Maine and Virginia, except for the St. Croix River Basin and surrounding sandy regions of Minnesota and Wisconsin, where it is locally common.[2][3]

Rubus multifer
The floricane and flowers of Rubus multifer
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rubus
Species:
R. multifer
Binomial name
Rubus multifer
Synonyms[1]
  • Rubus jaysmithii L.H.Bailey
  • Rubus polybotrys L.H.Bailey

In Minnesota, Rubus multifer is listed as a State Special Concern species, growing in remnant prairies, oak savannas, meadows, and openings in woods dominated by oak (Quercus) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides).[4] It colonizes a variety of habitats created through natural and anthropogenic disturbance, such as long-term canopy openings and borders shaped by fire or wind, railroad rights-of-way, utility corridors, and abandoned agricultural fields. In most cases, the native prairie or woodland vegetation is retained to some degree.[5] The soils are invariably sandy and acidic, often dry and to a lesser degree mesic or moist.[4][5]

References

edit
  1. ^ The Plant List, Rubus multifer L.H.Bailey
  2. ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  3. ^ Bailey, Liberty Hyde 1943. Species batorum. The genus Rubus in North America. V. Flagellares. Gentes Herbarum 5: 229-432
  4. ^ a b MNDNR Rare Species Guide
  5. ^ a b Smith, Welby R. (2008). Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota: The Complete Guide to Species Identification. University of Minnesota Press. pp. 476–477. ISBN 9780816640652.