Common Snowberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Symphoricarpos albus

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Sebastien Gooseberry
Common Snowberry

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: white waxy berries
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none



Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Other Names: common snowberry