Washington Hawthorn vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Washington Hawthorn vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Crataegus phaenopyrum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

ONLY AVAILABLE BY CONTRACT GROW

Sebastien Gooseberry
Washington Hawthorn

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.

Washington Hawthorn is an attractive ornamental shrub that is dense enough to plant as a privacy screen. It produces clusters of white blooms in late spring to early summer.

Washington Hawthorn's red berries last throughout winter, bringing squirrels and birds to your property. In the fall, its foliage turns beautiful orange, scarlet, or purple.

One of the most overlooked trees on the prairies. This tree is often used as rootstock, a wildlife attractor, or a boulevard hedge. Give this one a second look.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Please note: this plant is poisonous to dogs.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Washington Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: orange, scarlet or purple
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: small, red
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: white flowers in spring
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Other Names: washington thorn