Berry Blue Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Berry Blue Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry

Lonicera caerulea Berry Blue

Empetrum nigrum

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Berry Blue Haskap (Honeyberry)
Black Crowberry

Berry Blue Honeyberry is a hardy deciduous shrub. Its fruit is deliciously tart and perfect for fresh eating or production.
Berry Blue is an early pollinating variety. Pair with other early pollinators to have a higher yield.
Aurora is a great companion variety.

Haskap is the Japanese name for these berries and this term has been adopted for the University of Saskatchewan varieties. In other areas they are more commonly known as Honeyberry which is why we call this Eastern European variety Honeyberry.

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spiral around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates they have a sweet, tart taste, and are dried, used in deserts, or for making jams or jellies.
It provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. Its ability to grow in harsh climates makes it an important species for ecological balance.
Black Crowberry has historical significance as it provided a vital food source for the indigenous cultures of the arctic regions. It is abundant in Scandinavia and is used to make liqueurs, wines, and juices. In Newfoundland and Labrador the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are used in jams, jellies and baked goods like buns and puddings.

Berry Blue Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: berries are large; berries are similar to blueberries but larger and have a taste between raspberry and blueberry; ready for harvest at the end of June
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Harvest: late summer to fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: berry smart berry blue honeyberry, berry smart blue honeyberry
Other Names: crakeberry, curlewberry, heathberry, northern crowberry