Albion Strawberry vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Albion Strawberry vs Black Crowberry

Fragaria ananassa Albion

Empetrum nigrum

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Albion Strawberry
Black Crowberry

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 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.

Albion Strawberry Quick Facts

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
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: sweet
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Firmness: firm
Flavor: sweet dessert berry
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Harvest: spring through summer
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