Russian White Mulberry vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian White Mulberry vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Morus alba tatarica

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Crowberry
Russian White Mulberry

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.

Russian White Mulberry is a cold hardy and adaptable tree. It is a great choice for the impatient gardener as it reaches its mature height in a short period of time and has an attractive, dense, and rounded form.

Odd looking berries are produced among a backdrop of glossy, deep green foliage. The blackberry-esque berries ripen slowly over the season, ranging in color from white, pink, and purple-violet. While the berries are not well regarded for fresh eating, they have made tasty jams and preserves.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Russian White Mulberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Flowers: white
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Berries: white, tart, nutritious and sweet
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Flavor: light sweet taste
Harvest: late summer to fall
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