Spicebush vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Spicebush vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Lindera benzoin

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Sebastien Gooseberry
Spicebush

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.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: red
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: greenish yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice