Bracted Honeysuckle vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Bracted Honeysuckle vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Lonicera involucrata

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(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sebastien Gooseberry
Bracted Honeysuckle

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Bracted Honeysuckle is a shade loving shrub that is distinguishable from other honeysuckles by its square stem and pointed leaves. Native to most of North America, this honeysuckle is found along swamps, rivers, riparian zones and moist wooded areas.

If you have a erosion control project in mind, consider Bracted Honeysuckle.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Bracted Honeysuckle Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: shiny, purple-black berries produced in pairs
Harvest: late July to September
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NU
Other Names: bearberry honeysuckle, black twinberry, twinberry