Western Chokecherry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

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Western Chokecherry
Sebastien Gooseberry

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 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 Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 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
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late July to September
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low



Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry