Western Chokecherry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

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Sebastien Gooseberry
Western Chokecherry

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.

Western Chokecherry is a shrub or small tree commonly used for farmstead and field windbreaks.

It produces white flowers in the spring and edible dark purple fruit that matures between September and October. Its cherries are great for making for making jams, jellies or wine, but are not very palatable for raw eating.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Harvest: late July to September
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry