Red Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Red Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Sambucus racemosa

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Red Elderberry
Sebastien Gooseberry

Red Elderberry is an attractive, medium-sized deciduous shrub.

It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring and bright red berry-like drupes, which provide beautiful contrast against its coarse, textured green foliage.

Red Elder can be pruned as a small single or multi-stemmed tree.

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.

Red Elderberry Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: low

Toxicity: toxic to humans

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Flowers: white
Berries: bright red berries
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late July to September
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, PE
Other Names: red elder