Nannyberry vs Grouseberry - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Grouseberry

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Grouseberry
Nannyberry

Grouseberry is a native, low-growing deciduous shrub known for its edible red berries. In early summer, it produces small, urn-shaped flowers ranging from white to pink that attract bees and other pollinators. The berries provide an important food source for many types of wildlife, including game birds such as grouse, which gives the plant its common name. People can also enjoy the berries fresh or in baked goods, though they can be difficult to harvest in large quantities.

Spreading by rhizomes, Grouseberry forms dense, broom-like mats that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, while also providing cover for ground-nesting wildlife. It is commonly found beneath conifers in open forests, subalpine meadows, and occasionally on rocky slopes in mountainous regions. It is well-suited for naturalization, ecological restoration, and soil stabilization projects.

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.

Grouseberry Quick Facts

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: reddish
Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: small pink, bell-shaped
Flowers: white
Bloom time: spring
Berries: small, bright red, edible
Berries: red to purple
Flavor: tart
Harvest: summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: dwarf red whortleberry, grouse whortleberry, little-leaved huckleberry, red alpine blueberry, small-leaved huckleberry
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum