Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Amelanchier alnifolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Sebastien Gooseberry
Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Common Saskatoon is a native shrub that's famous for its great-tasting fruit. The berries are terrific for fresh eating and cooking. The Saskatoon bush itself can be quite large and produces an abundance of fruit. Saskatoons are hardy and can tolerate partial shade and a variety of growing conditions.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: purple-blue
Firmness: firm
Harvest: late July to September
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry