Northern Gooseberry vs Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry) - TreeTime.ca

Northern Gooseberry vs Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry)

Rubus pubescens

Ribes oxyacanthoides

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Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry)
Northern Gooseberry

Dewberry (Rubus pubescens) is a native, low-growing perennial that spreads by creeping stems to form a natural groundcover. In spring, it bears small white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by bright red edible berries resembling tiny raspberries. They are an important food source for birds and mammals.

Widespread across Canada, Dewberry serves as a larval host plant for butterflies such as the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon), adding to its ecological value. It is a suitable choice for naturalization, pollinator gardens, habitat plantings, and ecological restoration projects.

Northern Gooseberry is a small, ornamental quality native shrub with prickly stems. You can plant it anywhere you'd plant Prickly Rose or Common Wild Rose, such as your yard.

Most people find Northern Gooseberry berries a bit tart for significant fresh eating but they are good for baking, wine or jam.

Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry) Quick Facts

Northern Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, trailing
Spreading: stolons - medium
Suckering: none


Fall colour: reddish or purplish
Flowers: small, white
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: red, edible
Berries: purple or purplish black
Harvest: mid-summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NL, YT, NT
Other Names: creeping red raspberry, dwarf raspberry, dwarf red blackberry, dwarf red raspberry, trailing raspberry
Other Names: canada gooseberry, canadian gooseberry