Aronia Berry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Aronia Berry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Aronia melanocarpa

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Aronia Berry
Sebastien Gooseberry

Aronia Berry produces black fruit that is often considered too astringent. This is why they are also referred to as Black Chokeberry. It is native to Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. White to pink flowers appear in the spring which provides a nice contrast to the dark green foliage. In fall the leaves turn a vibrant orange to red.

It has a fast growth rate, strong roots, and can tolerate growing in wet soils. This makes it well suited for various projects including forming hedges, bank stabilization, erosion control, and in wetter riparian areas. They are also well suited as an understory plant as it grows well under other trees.

Aronia berries have their own unique flavour. The polyphenols and anthocyanins are touted as healthy antioxidants and lots of research seems to be underway on the health benefits of this fruit.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Aronia Berry Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 30%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: red to orange color
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: whitish-pink
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low




Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: black choke berry, black chokeberry