The Austin Mays blackberry is called a "dewberry" by many growers, because it does not grow erect or semi-erect like other blackberries, however, the vines can climb to some extent above older canes which is desirable in keeping the berries lifted out of the dirt. The berries produced by the Austin Mays blackberry (Dewberry)grew from plants that were selections from native American trailing blackberry bushes that were superior to the original parents in size, flavor and production. The Austin Mays blackberry ripens earlier than other blackberries; beginning to form berries in May and extending for 30-45 days.Some growers of blackberries prefer to stake the Austin Mays plants for easier berry picking and cleaner berries pff the ground. When staked or trellised the Austin Mays berries hang above splashing rain water and mud.Austin Mays Blackberry plants normally thrive in very poor soils that are well drained, but a little 8-8-8 fertilizer sprinkled above the vines in the Fall that will increase the size and number of the berries. The thorns of the Austin May Dewberry vine seem forbidden to the hands picking the large berries on the interior portions of the vine.