Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Ranch Elderberry

Lonicera caerulea Borealis

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry)
Ranch Elderberry

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.

Ranch Elderberry is a vigorous and high-yielding Black Elderberry cultivar. It ripens earlier than other varieties and is smaller and more compact making berry harvest easier. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. They are high in vitamin C and reported to be beneficial for the immune system.

Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Black Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $12.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
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: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Flowers: fragrant, white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry