Albion Strawberry vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Albion Strawberry vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Fragaria ananassa Albion

CUSTOM GROW

Black Crowberry
Albion Strawberry

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.

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.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Albion Strawberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: high


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Berries: sweet
Firmness: firm
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Flavor: sweet dessert berry
Harvest: late summer to fall
Harvest: spring through 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