Common Snowberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

SOLD OUT

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Common Snowberry
Sebastien Gooseberry

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 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 Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: white waxy berries
Berries: reddish and medium sized
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: none
Suckering: low



Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: common snowberry