Rose Glow Barberry vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Rose Glow Barberry vs Black Crowberry

Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow

Empetrum nigrum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Rose Glow Barberry
Black Crowberry

Rose Glow Barberry is a cold hardy, drought tolerant shrub. It has attractive, mottled foliage that ranges from red, pink, green, and white, maturing to deep maroon.

Rose Glow Barberry has sharp thorns, so be careful when you're handling this shrub. These thorns are what make Rose Glow Barberry an excellent hedge plant as they deter rabbit and deer.

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.

Rose Glow Barberry Quick Facts

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Flowers: pink/purple flower
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
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