Tundra Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Bilberry - TreeTime.ca

Tundra Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Lonicera caerulea Tundra

CUSTOM GROW

Bilberry
Tundra Haskap (Honeyberry)

Bilberry is a native perennial shrub valued for its small, blue-black berries that ripen in mid to late summer. The berries resemble blueberries but have a richer, more tart, and intense flavor. They have long been used for fresh eating, baking, and preserves, while also providing food for birds and mammals. In spring, its delicate pinkish flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Growing low to the ground, Bilberry forms spreading colonies that create dense understory cover. This growth habit provides food and shelter for wildlife, and its foliage adds seasonal interest by turning red to purple in autumn. With its adaptability and ecological benefits, Bilberry is well-suited for naturalization, ecological restoration, and pollinator gardens.

Tundra Haskap is sweet/tangy with a great flavour. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Tundra Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves. They have the firmest berries, which makes them well-suited for commercial production

For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.

Tundra Haskap is an early-pollinating variety and pairs well with Aurora and Honey Bee.

Bilberry Quick Facts

Tundra Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $5.99 - SAVE UP TO 45%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, clump-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Suckering: none

Toxicity: leaves may be unsafe in high doses

Flowers: white or pink, bell-shaped
Bloom time: summer
Berries: round bluish-purple berries, edible
Berries: elongated berries are large, firm and great tasting (sweet tangy)
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: common bilberry, dwarf bilberry, low bilberry, myrtille, myrtle blueberry, myrtle whortleberry, whortleberry