Boreal Beast Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry - TreeTime.ca

Boreal Beast Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Mountain Huckleberry

Vaccinium membranaceum

Lonicera caerulea Boreal Beast

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(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Mountain Huckleberry
Boreal Beast 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.

Boreal Beast Haskap produces sweet/tart berries that have an excellent 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.

They have firmer berries that tend to remain on the bush for longer when compared to other varieties.

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

Mountain Huckleberry Quick Facts

Boreal Beast Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $5.99 - SAVE UP TO 40%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: any
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: dark purple
Berries: large, purple blue
Flavor: sweet, acidic
Flavor: raspberry-blueberry taste
Harvest: mid to late summer
Harvest: mid - late July
Flowers: pale yellow
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high




Other Names: big huckleberry, black huckleberry, tall bilberry, thinleaf huckleberry
Other Names: blue honeysuckle, honeyberry