Tundra Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Tundra Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Lonicera caerulea Tundra

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Crowberry
Tundra Haskap (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.

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.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Tundra 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: elongated berries are large, firm and great tasting (sweet tangy)
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