Northland Blueberry vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Northland Blueberry vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Vaccinium x Northland

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Crowberry
Northland Blueberry

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spiral around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates they have a sweet, tart taste, and are dried, used in deserts, or for making jams or jellies.
It provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. Its ability to grow in harsh climates makes it an important species for ecological balance.
Black Crowberry has historical significance as it provided a vital food source for the indigenous cultures of the arctic regions. It is abundant in Scandinavia and is used to make liqueurs, wines, and juices. In Newfoundland and Labrador the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are used in jams, jellies and baked goods like buns and puddings.

Northland Blueberry is the hardiest of the half-high highbush blueberries. It's also the best looking. In fact, it is frequently planted as an ornamental. Northland Blueberry produces large quantities of medium-size berries that taste amazing but are on the softer side, which matters to some people.

You must also prune Northland Blueberry to maintain its health and productivity.

Note: Blueberries require very specific soil conditions. They need well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.0. If the starting pH of your soil is between 5.1 and 6.2 you can lower it by adding sulfur. We recommend against planting blueberries in soil with a starting pH greater than 6.2. Please do your own research before buying any blueberry plants.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Northland Blueberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3b
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Fall colour: orange-red
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Berries: large clusters of blue berries
Fruit size: medium
Firmness: soft
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Flavor: excellent
Harvest: late summer to fall
Harvest: early to mid summer
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