Red River Raspberry vs Black Crowberry

Red River Raspberry is a cold hardy and adaptable raspberry. Its berries are smaller than typical raspberries and ripen from August until frost. The berries are firm, ruby red and excellent for eating right from the bush.

Red River Raspberry is a primocane-fruiting variety, meaning it produces fruit on first-year canes (the current season’s growth). They are also referred to as ever-bearing or fall-bearing. Cut stalks down each winter or early spring to get higher fruit yields.

Raspberries are self-fertile, meaning they do not require cross-pollination from another variety to produce fruit.

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.

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