Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Lonicera caerulea Borealis

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Mountain Huckleberry
Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry)

Mountain Huckleberry is a small shrub known for its tart to sweet berries. The berries range from purple-black to red-black, and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and syrups. It is a plant native to Alberta and the berries are frequently enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

In traditional Indigenous fire management practices, berry patches were burned after harvest. This would reduce the invasion of other plants allowing the Mountain Huckleberry to thrive. Its foliage has low flammability and can survive low severity fires, and even if destroyed they regrow from the roots.

Note: Mountain Huckleberry requires specific soil conditions. They need moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH around 5.5.

Borealis Haskap is a popular variety due to its great-tasting, sweet-tart berries. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Borealis Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

It has strong fruit holds and is not very firm so it does not do well when handled by equipment. This variety is a favourite for home gardens and U-Picks.

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.

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

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
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
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Harvest: mid to late summer
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry