Albion Strawberry vs Bilberry - TreeTime.ca

Albion Strawberry vs Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Fragaria ananassa Albion

CUSTOM GROW

Bilberry
Albion Strawberry

Bilberry is a native perennial shrub valued for its small, blue-black berries that ripen in mid to late summer. The berries resemble blueberries but have a richer, more tart, and intense flavor. They have long been used for fresh eating, baking, and preserves, while also providing food for birds and mammals. In spring, its delicate pinkish flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Growing low to the ground, Bilberry forms spreading colonies that create dense understory cover. This growth habit provides food and shelter for wildlife, and its foliage adds seasonal interest by turning red to purple in autumn. With its adaptability and ecological benefits, Bilberry is well-suited for naturalization, ecological restoration, and pollinator gardens.

Albion Strawberry is an Day Neutral (Long Day, Everbearing) hybrid that produces berries all summer and into fall. It is heat tolerant and disease resistant, and grows well in warmer climates. Its conical fruit, bright red color, and reliable firmness, make the fruit excellent for fresh eating, or in pies or jellies.

Bilberry Quick Facts

Albion Strawberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.09 - SAVE UP TO 73%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, clump-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: leaves may be unsafe in high doses

Flowers: white or pink, bell-shaped
Bloom time: summer
Berries: round bluish-purple berries, edible
Berries: sweet
Firmness: firm
Flavor: sweet
Flavor: sweet dessert berry
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Harvest: spring through summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: common bilberry, dwarf bilberry, low bilberry, myrtille, myrtle blueberry, myrtle whortleberry, whortleberry