Nannyberry vs Chester Thornless Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Chester Thornless Blackberry

Rubus fruticosa Chester (Thornless)

Viburnum lentago

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(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Chester Thornless Blackberry
Nannyberry

Chester Thornless Blackberry is a self-pollinating fruit-bearing shrub. In mid-summer, the Chester Thornless Blackberry produces large, sweet-tasting, heart-shaped blackberries that are perfect for fresh eating. It is a semi-erect blackberry plant that requires little support from a trellis to keep its fruit off the ground. Don't forget to protect your berries. The birds love this shrub almost as much as you will.

Chester Thornless Blackberries are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Chester Thornless Blackberry Quick Facts

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3b
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: pink
Flowers: white
Berries: heart shaped black
Berries: red to purple
Firmness: firm
Harvest: July
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: chester blackberry, hardy blackberry
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum