Robin runaway is a wildflower with attractive flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It is a herbaceous perennial with distinct hairy leafstalks. Its overall appearance is reminiscent of true violets, although it has symmetrical flowers that differ from the irregular flowers of violets. This member of the rose family features two types of flowers: one showy, white one and one hidden fertile one.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rubus repens (dewdrop, false violet, star violet, Robin runaway. French Canadian: dalibarde rampante) is a perennial plant (a forb) in the rose family, native to eastern and central Canada and to the northeastern and north-central United States. It is part of the genus Rubus, which includes brambles, blackberries, and raspberries. Some authorities consider it the sole member of a separate genus, Dalibarda.
Rubus repens is a herbaceous plant with simple leaves, and hairy stems. It is the only species in the genus Dalibarda. It has both sterile and fertile flowers. The sterile flowers are much less numerous than the fertile ones, have five white petals and are borne atop a peduncle. The more numerous fertile flowers are cleistogamous (they are self-pollinating and never open), and are hidden beneath the leaves. The flower stalks (peduncles) of the cleistogamous flowers are short, 2–5 cm long, and curved downward. The calyx forms a shallow, hairy hypanthium, which is divided into 5–6 lobes of unequal size, the 3 larger lobes are toothed (serrate).
The stem is decumbent/creeping, “several inches” in length, with a densely tufted terminal portion which bears both leaves and flowers.
The leaves are basal, simple, pinnately veined above the base, long-petiolate, and slightly hairy/downy on both sides. They are dark green in color. Leaf blades cordate to rounded (orbicular), 3–5 cm long; the basal lobes are rounded; the apex is blunt to rounded; the margins are scalloped, with low rounded teeth (crenate); and the petioles are hairy, 3–10 cm long.
The common name false violet comes not only from the heart-shaped leaves, but also because this plant, like violets, produces two kinds of flowers.
Though this plant is globally secure, it is locally endangered in Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina and Rhode Island. It is listed as threatened in Michigan and Ohio.
The plant can be identified as being low, spreading by runners with leaves and flowers arising on separate stalks from the runner. The sterile flowers are white with 5 broad petals and numerous long stamens, solitary on a long, reddish flower stalk arising from runner. Leaves are kidney-shaped, with a long petiole, and with outer margin scalloped. The plant is 2 to 5 inches in height.
The leaves of dewdrop may be confused with violet leaves, but violets have low rounded teeth that curve upward; the leaf margins of dewdrop have low scalloped edges or outward-facing blunt teeth.
The plant is found in Minnesota in the west to Nova Scotia in the east, southward to Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the mountains to North Carolina.
Dewdrop is found in northern or upland forests, in shady locations, in moist to wet conifer and mixedwood (softwoods and hardwoods) forests or swamps, and often on red pine and white pine sites with sandy, acidic soils. It thrives best in acidic soils.
A few, nearly dry, small white drupes (drupelets), 3–4 mm long, retained within the calyx are produced.
As with its close relatives in genus Rubus, the young plants make a reasonably palatable pot-herb, and can be brewed as a mild infusion/tea throughout the growing season. The fruit is edible, but decidedly not “choice”.
It flowers from June to August.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight and Soil
Robin runaway is a low-maintenance plant, thriving in shady, moist woodland environments and providing a shaded or partially shaded location.
Watering
Thriving in its native humid woodland settings, robin runaway has adapted to consistent moisture levels, reflecting a preference for regular hydration without waterlogging. Its watering habits suggest moderate drought tolerance, requiring a balance between moisture retention and drainage. For optimal growth, robin runaway should be watered every week. As an herbaceous perennial commonly grown outdoors, robin runaway’s growth cycle is finely attuned to seasonal rainfall patterns, ensuring it receives the right amount of water throughout its active phases.
Fertilizing
For robin runaway, regular fertilizing with balanced nutrition fertilizers encourages robust growth and vibrant blooms. Apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth in spring and summer, tapering off in fall and ceasing in winter. Use half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. Special care: avoid direct contact with leaves to prevent burn. Seasonal adjustments in feeding robin runaway are crucial for optimal health; less is more when dormant. Adhering to these practices ensures robin runaway thrives in your garden.
Propagation
Robin runaway is a woodland herb known for its distinctive features and ability to spread under suitable conditions. Propagation is typically achieved through sowing, with a focus on preparing a moist, well-drained soil mix that mimics its natural habitat. It’s essential to ensure that the seeds receive adequate light for germination, but not direct sunlight, which could impede the process. For optimal growth, maintaining soil humidity without waterlogging will secure a better success rate. Patience is vital, as robin runaway may exhibit slow germination and growth, requiring careful attention to avoid disturbance during the delicate early stages.
Transplanting
The optimal window to transfer robin runaway is when spring blossoms mature into early summer’s balmy days, ensuring robust growth. Choose a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil, and gently acclimate robin runaway to prevent shock.
III. Uses and Benefits
It is fairly easily grown in shady locations in damp to wet, acidic soils, and is frequently used in wildflower and bog gardens as a ground-cover.
