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

Blue Belle Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Lonicera caerulea Blue Belle

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Black Crowberry
Blue Belle Haskap (Honeyberry)

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spirals around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so they are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates, the berries develop a sweet-tart flavor and are often dried or used in desserts, jams, and jellies.

This hardy shrub provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. It also serves as a host plant for certain butterflies and moths. Together, these roles make it a key contributor to the health of tundra and boreal ecosystems.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are enjoyed in jams, jellies, and traditional baked goods such as buns and puddings. In Scandinavia, they continue to be used in liqueurs, wines, and juices.

Blue Belle Honeyberry is a hardy deciduous shrub. This variety produces larger quantities of bigger berries than the other Haskap varieties. Blue Belle Honeyberry's fruit is perfect for jam and jelly making.

Blue Belle is an early pollinating variety. Pair with other early pollinators to have a higher yield.
Aurora and Tundra are great companion varieties.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Blue Belle Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
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: purplish-black, edible
Berries: smaller berries (0.9 grams) good for making jams or jellies
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: crakeberry, curlewberry, heathberry, northern crowberry
Other Names: berry smart blue belle honeyberry