Black Cherry vs Northern Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Northern Gooseberry

Prunus serotina

Ribes oxyacanthoides

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NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Cherry
Northern Gooseberry

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

Northern Gooseberry is a small, ornamental quality native shrub with prickly stems. You can plant it anywhere you'd plant Prickly Rose or Common Wild Rose, such as your yard.

Most people find Northern Gooseberry berries a bit tart for significant fresh eating but they are good for baking, wine or jam.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Northern Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Berries: purple or purplish black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry
Other Names: canada gooseberry, canadian gooseberry