Michigan Dewberry

Description

Rubus michiganensis is an uncommon North American species of brambles in the rose family. It has been found in the Province of Ontario in central Canada, as well as in the Great Lakes region and in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States (Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey).Rubus michiganensis has trailing stems that grow horizontally across the surface of sandy soil or slightly below the surface. These produce herbaceous vertical stems that rise upwards, bearing compound leaves with 3, 5, or 7 leaflets.The genetics of Rubus is extremely complex, so that it is difficult to decide on which groups should be recognized as species. There are many rare species with limited ranges such as this. Further study is suggested to clarify the taxonomy.