Boreal Beauty Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Boreal Beauty Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Lonicera caerulea Boreal Beauty

CUSTOM GROW

Black Crowberry
Boreal Beauty Haskap (Honeyberry)

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spirals around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so they are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates, the berries develop a sweet-tart flavor and are often dried or used in desserts, jams, and jellies.

This hardy shrub provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. It also serves as a host plant for certain butterflies and moths. Together, these roles make it a key contributor to the health of tundra and boreal ecosystems.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are enjoyed in jams, jellies, and traditional baked goods such as buns and puddings. In Scandinavia, they continue to be used in liqueurs, wines, and juices.

Boreal Beauty Haskap produces sweet/tart berries that have a great flavour. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Boreal Beast Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves.

The berries are heavy, firm, and have a great branch hold. They are firm enough to withstand mechanical harvesting.

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.

Boreal Beauty Haskap is a late-pollinating variety that pairs well with Boreal Beast.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Boreal Beauty Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 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: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Flowers: pale yellow
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Berries: large, purple blue
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Flavor: raspberry-blueberry taste
Harvest: late summer to fall
Harvest: late July - mid August
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
Other Names: blue honeysuckle, honeyberry